Amide or urea containing benzothiazole inhibitors of endothelial lipase

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) as defined in the specification and compositions comprising any of such novel compounds. These compounds are endothelial lipase inhibitors which may be used as medicaments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2013/049194 filed Jul. 3, 2013, which claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/669,266 filed Jul. 9, 2012; each of which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention provides novel amide or urea containing benzothiazole compounds and analogues, which are endothelial lipase (EL) inhibitors, compositions containing them, and methods of using them, for example, for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cardiovascular disease is a major health risk throughout the industrialized world. Atherosclerosis, the most prevalent of cardiovascular diseases, is the principal cause of heart attack, and stroke, and thereby the principal cause of death in the United States.

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease involving many cell types and molecular factors (for a detailed review, see Ross, R., Nature, 362(6423):801-809 (1993)). Results from epidemiologic studies have clearly established an inverse relationship between levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), which transports endogenous cholesterol from tissues to the liver as well as mediating selective cholesteryl ester delivery to steroidogenic tissues, and the risk for atherosclerosis (Gordon, D. J. et al., N. Engl. J. Med., 321(19):1311-1316 (1989)).

The metabolism of HDL is influenced by several members of the phospholipase and triacylglycerol (TG) lipase family of proteins, which hydrolyze triglycerides, phospholipids (PL), and cholesteryl esters (CE), generating fatty acids to facilitate intestinal absorption, energy production, or storage. Of the TG lipases, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) influences the metabolism of HDL cholesterol by hydrolyzing triglycerides in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, resulting in the transfer of lipids and apolipoproteins to HDL and is responsible for hydrolyzing chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) in muscle and adipose tissues. Hepatic lipase (HL) hydrolyzes HDL triglyceride and phospholipids, generating smaller, lipid-depleted HDL particles, and plays a role in the uptake of HDL cholesterol (Jin, W. et al., Trends Endocrinol. Metab., 13(4):174-178 (2002); Wong, H. et al., J. Lipid Res., 43:993-999 (2002)). Endothelial lipase (also known as EDL, EL, LIPG, endothelial-derived lipase, and endothelial cell-derived lipase) is synthesized in endothelial cells, a characteristic that distinguishes it from the other members of the family.

Recombinant endothelial lipase protein has substantial phospholipase activity but has been reported to have less hydrolytic activity toward triglyceride lipids (Hirata, K. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 274(20):14170-14175 (1999); Jaye, M. et al., Nat. Genet., 21:424-428 (1999)). However, endothelial lipase does exhibit triglyceride lipase activity ex vivo in addition to its HDL phospholipase activity, and endothelial lipase was found to hydrolyze HDL more efficiently than other lipoproteins (McCoy, M. G. et al., J. Lipid Res., 43:921-929 (2002)). Overexpression of the human endothelial lipase gene in the livers of mice markedly reduces plasma concentrations of HDL cholesterol and its major protein apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) (Jaye, M. et al., Nat. Genet., 21:424-428 (1999)).

Various types of compounds have been reported to modulate the expression of endothelial lipase, for example, 3-oxo-1,3-dihydro-indazole-2-carboxamides (WO 2004/093872, US 2006/0211755A1), 3-oxo-3-H-benzo[d]isoxazole-2-carboxamides (WO 2004/094393, U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,727), and benzisothiazol-3-one-2-carboxamides (WO 2004/094394, U.S. Pat. No. 7,595,403) by Eli Lilly & Co.; diacylindazole derivatives (WO 2007/042178, US 2008/0287448A1) and imidazopyridin-2-one derivatives (WO 2007/110215, US 2009/0076068A1), and azolopyridin-3-one derivatives (WO 2007/110216, US 2009/0054478A1) by Sanofi-Aventis; heterocyclic derivatives (WO 2009/123164), keto-amide derivatives (WO 2009/133834), acetic acid amide derivatives (WO20/10/44441, US 2011/0251386A1), oxadiazole derivatives (WO 2011074560, US2012253040 A1), benzothiazole and azabenzothiazole derivatives (WO 2012081563) and amino derivatives (WO2012173099) by Shionogi & Co., Ltd. However, because endothelial lipase is a relatively new member in the lipase gene family, a full understanding of the potential of endothelial lipase inhibitors to human health, as well as the inhibitors of other lipases in general, requires more studies.

Thus, there is a clear need for new types of compounds capable of inhibiting the activity of lipases, particularly endothelial lipase, that would constitute effective treatments to the diseases or disorders associated with the activity of such lipases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides amide or urea containing benzothiazole compounds and their analogues, including stereoisomers, tautomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or solvates thereof, which are useful as EL inhibitors.

The present invention also provides processes and intermediates for making the compounds of the present invention.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one of the compounds of the present invention or stereoisomers, tautomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, or solvates thereof.

The compounds of the invention may be used in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof.

The compounds of the invention may be used in therapy.

The compounds of the invention may be used for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof.

The compounds of the invention can be used alone, in combination with other compounds of the present invention, or in combination with one or more, preferably one to two, and other agent.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. Compounds of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides, inter alia, a compound of Formula (I):

or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, wherein:

R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: phenyl and a 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl comprising: carbon atoms and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, NR^(c), O, and S(O)_(p); wherein each phenyl and heteroaryl are substituted with 0-3 R^(a);

R² is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, OH, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy, CN, NH₂, NO₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), and CONH₂;

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, —(CH₂)_(m)CHF₂, —(CH₂)_(m)CF₃, —(CH₂)_(m)—(C₃₋₆ carbocycle substituted with 0-3 R^(b)), —(CH₂)_(m)-(pyridyl substituted with 0-2 R^(b)), —NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NHCH₂CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NH(4-halo-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, and

R⁴ independently selected from the group consisting of:

R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CONH₂, CONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CON(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHCO(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHCO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHCONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂OH, SO₂(4-halo-Ph), SO₂NH₂, SO₂NHCH₂CF₃, SO₂NHPh, NHSO₂NH₂, NHSO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂NHSO₂(CH₂)₂₋₃CF₃, N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)SO₂NH₂, N(CO₂C₁₋₄ alkyl)SO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), and

R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of:

R^(a) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with 0-1 OH, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, OH, CN, NO₂, NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CONH₂, CONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂NH₂, SO₂N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CONH(CH₂)₁₋₃CF₃, pyrazolyl,

R^(b) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy, OH, CN, NH₂, NO₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂NH₂, CONH₂, and CONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl);

R^(c) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, CO(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), COBn, CO₂Bn,

pyrimidinyl and —(CH₂)_(t)—(C₃₋₆ carbocycle substituted with 0-2 R^(e));

R^(e) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, and C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy;

m and t are, independently at each occurrence, selected from 0, 1, 2, and 3; and

p is, independently at each occurrence, selected from 0, 1, and 2; and

s is, independently at each occurrence, selected from 1, 2, and 3.

In a second aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (II):

or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of the first aspect; wherein:

R² is independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen and C₁₋₄ alkyl.

In a third aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (III):

or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of the first or second aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (I), (II) or (III), or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of any of the above aspects, wherein:

R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Ph, 6-halo-pyrid-3-yl,

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, —NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NHCH₂CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NH(4-halo-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, pyridyl, and

and

R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:

In a fifth aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (I), (II) or (III), or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of any of the above aspects, wherein:

R¹ is 6-halo-pyrid-3-yl;

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl, —NHCH₂CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NH(4-halo-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, pyridyl, and

and

R⁴ is

In a sixth aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (I), (II) or (III), or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of any of the above aspects, wherein:

R¹ is 6-F-pyrid-3-yl; and

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Me, Et, —NHCH₂CO₂Et, —NH(4-F-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, pyrid-3-yl, and

In a seventh aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (I), (II) or (III), or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of any of the first, second, third and fourth aspects, wherein:

R¹ independently selected from the group consisting of: Ph and

R³ independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl, cyclopropyl, and 4-CF₃-Ph; and

R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:

In an eighth aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (I), (II) or (III), or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of any of the first, second, third, fourth and seventh aspects, wherein:

R¹ independently selected from the group consisting of: Ph and

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Me, cyclopropyl, and 4-CF₃-Ph; and

R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:

In a ninth aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (I), (II) or (III), or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of any of the first, second, third and fourth aspects, wherein:

R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: 6-halo-pyrid-3-yl and

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl and 4-CF₃-Ph; and

R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:

In a tenth aspect, the present invention includes a compound of Formula (I), (II) or (III), or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, within the scope of any of the first, second, third, fourth and ninth aspects, wherein:

R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: 6-F-pyrid-3-yl and

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Me and 4-CF₃-Ph; and

R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:

In an eleventh aspect, the present invention provides a compound selected from the exemplified examples or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a compound selected from any subset list of compounds within the scope of the eleventh aspect.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention have EL IC₅₀ values ≦300 nM.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention have EL IC₅₀ values ≦100 nM.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention have EL IC₅₀ values ≦50 nM.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention have EL IC₅₀ values ≦25 nM.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention have EL IC₅₀ values ≦10 nM.

II. Other Embodiments of the Invention

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising at least one of the compounds of the present invention or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one of the compounds of the present invention or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, comprising: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for making a compound of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an intermediate for making a compound of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition as defined above further comprising additional therapeutic agent(s).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment and/or prophylaxis a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention, alone, or, optionally, in combination with another compound of the present invention and/or at least one other type of therapeutic agent.

Examples of diseases or disorders associated with the activity of endothelial lipase that can be prevented, modulated, or treated according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, coronary vascular disease, cerebrovascular disorders, Alzheimer's disease, venous thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, dyslipidemia, hyperbetalipoproteinemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, familial-hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disorders, angina, ischemia, cardiac ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, reperfusion injury, angioplastic restenosis, hypertension, vascular complications of diabetes, obesity or endotoxemia.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disorders and dyslipidemia, comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment and/or prophylaxis a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention, alone, or, optionally, in combination with another compound of the present invention and/or at least one other type of therapeutic agent.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of the present invention for use in therapy.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of the present invention for use in therapy for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention also provides the use of a compound of the present invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof, comprising: administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a first and second therapeutic agent, wherein the first therapeutic agent is a compound of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a combined preparation of a compound of the present invention and additional therapeutic agent(s) for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in therapy.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a combined preparation of a compound of the present invention and additional therapeutic agent(s) for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof.

The compounds of the present invention may be employed in combination with additional therapeutic agent(s) selected from one or more, preferably one to three, of the following therapeutic agents: anti-atherosclerotic agents, anti-dyslipidemic agents, anti-diabetic agents, anti-hyperglycemic agents, anti-hyperinsulinemic agents, anti-thrombotic agents, anti-retinopathic agents, anti-neuropathic agents, anti-nephropathic agents, anti-ischemic agents, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-obesity agents, anti-hyperlipidemic agents, anti-hypertriglyceridemic agents, anti-hypercholesterolemic agents, anti-restenotic agents, anti-pancreatic agents, lipid lowering agents, anorectic agents, memory enhancing agents, anti-dementia agents, cognition promoting agents, appetite suppressants, treatments for heart failure, treatments for peripheral arterial disease, treatment for malignant tumors, and anti-inflammatory agents.

In another embodiment, additional therapeutic agent(s) used in combined pharmaceutical compositions or combined methods or combined uses, are selected from one or more, preferably one to three, of the following therapeutic agents in treating atherosclerosis: anti-hyperlipidemic agents, plasma HDL-raising agents, anti-hypercholesterolemic agents, cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors (such as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors), acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors, LXR agonist, probucol, raloxifene, nicotinic acid, niacinamide, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants (such as anion exchange resins, or quaternary amines (e.g., cholestyramine or colestipol)), low density lipoprotein receptor inducers, clofibrate, fenofibrate, benzofibrate, cipofibrate, gemfibrizol, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, anti-oxidant vitamins, β-blockers, anti-diabetes agents, angiotensin II antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, platelet aggregation inhibitors, fibrinogen receptor antagonists, aspirin or fibric acid derivatives.

In another embodiment, additional therapeutic agent(s) used in combined pharmaceutical compositions or combined methods or combined uses, are selected from one or more, preferably one to three, of the following therapeutic agents in treating cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor, particularly an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Examples of suitable HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, and rivastatin.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. This invention encompasses all combinations of preferred aspects of the invention noted herein. It is understood that any and all embodiments of the present invention may be taken in conjunction with any other embodiment or embodiments to describe additional embodiments. It is also understood that each individual element of the embodiments is its own independent embodiment. Furthermore, any element of an embodiment is meant to be combined with any and all other elements from any embodiment to describe an additional embodiment.

III. Chemistry

Throughout the specification and the appended claims, a given chemical formula or name shall encompass all stereo and optical isomers and racemates thereof where such isomers exist. Unless otherwise indicated, all chiral (enantiomeric and diastereomeric) and racemic forms are within the scope of the invention. Many geometric isomers of C═C double bonds, C═N double bonds, ring systems, and the like can also be present in the compounds, and all such stable isomers are contemplated in the present invention. Cis- and trans- (or E- and Z-) geometric isomers of the compounds of the present invention are described and may be isolated as a mixture of isomers or as separated isomeric forms. The present compounds can be isolated in optically active or racemic forms. Optically active forms may be prepared by resolution of racemic forms or by synthesis from optically active starting materials. All processes used to prepare compounds of the present invention and intermediates made therein are considered to be part of the present invention. When enantiomeric or diastereomeric products are prepared, they may be separated by conventional methods, for example, by chromatography or fractional crystallization. Depending on the process conditions the end products of the present invention are obtained either in free (neutral) or salt form. Both the free form and the salts of these end products are within the scope of the invention. If so desired, one form of a compound may be converted into another form. A free base or acid may be converted into a salt; a salt may be converted into the free compound or another salt; a mixture of isomeric compounds of the present invention may be separated into the individual isomers. Compounds of the present invention, free form and salts thereof, may exist in multiple tautomeric forms, in which hydrogen atoms are transposed to other parts of the molecules and the chemical bonds between the atoms of the molecules are consequently rearranged. It should be understood that all tautomeric forms, insofar as they may exist, are included within the invention.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” or “alkylene” is intended to include both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms. For example, “C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl” or “C₁₋₁₀ alkyl” (or alkylene), is intended to include C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, and C₁₀ alkyl groups. Additionally, for example, “C₁ to C₆ alkyl” or “C₁₋₆ alkyl” denotes alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Alkyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted with at least one hydrogen being replaced by another chemical group. Example alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl (Me), ethyl (Et), propyl (e.g., n-propyl and isopropyl), butyl (e.g., n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl), and pentyl (e.g., n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl). When “C₀ alkyl” or “C₀ alkylene” is used, it is intended to denote a direct bond.

“Alkenyl” or “alkenylene” is intended to include hydrocarbon chains of either straight or branched configuration having the specified number of carbon atoms and one or more, preferably one to two, carbon-carbon double bonds that may occur in any stable point along the chain. For example, “C₂ to C₆ alkenyl” or “C₂₋₆ alkenyl” (or alkenylene), is intended to include C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, and C₆ alkenyl groups. Examples of alkenyl include, but are not limited to, ethenyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3, pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl, and 4-methyl-3-pentenyl.

“Alkynyl” or “alkynylene” is intended to include hydrocarbon chains of either straight or branched configuration having one or more, preferably one to three, carbon-carbon triple bonds that may occur in any stable point along the chain. For example, “C₂ to C₆ alkynyl” or “C₂₋₆ alkynyl” (or alkynylene), is intended to include C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, and C₆ alkynyl groups; such as ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, and hexynyl.

The term “alkoxy” or “alkyloxy” refers to an —O-alkyl group. “C₁ to C₆ alkoxy” or “C₁₋₆ alkoxy” (or alkyloxy), is intended to include C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, and C₆ alkoxy groups. Example alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy (e.g., n-propoxy and isopropoxy), and t-butoxy. Similarly, “alkylthio” or “thioalkoxy” represents an alkyl group as defined above with the indicated number of carbon atoms attached through a sulphur bridge; for example methyl-S— and ethyl-S—.

“Halo” or “halogen” includes fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo. “Haloalkyl” is intended to include both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms, substituted with 1 or more halogens. Examples of haloalkyl include, but are not limited to, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, pentachloroethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, and heptachloropropyl. Examples of haloalkyl also include “fluoroalkyl” that is intended to include both branched and straight-chain saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having the specified number of carbon atoms, substituted with 1 or more fluorine atoms.

“Haloalkoxy” or “haloalkyloxy” represents a haloalkyl group as defined above with the indicated number of carbon atoms attached through an oxygen bridge. For example, “C₁ to C₆ haloalkoxy” or “C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy”, is intended to include C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, and C₆ haloalkoxy groups. Examples of haloalkoxy include, but are not limited to, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, and pentafluorothoxy. Similarly, “haloalkylthio” or “thiohaloalkoxy” represents a haloalkyl group as defined above with the indicated number of carbon atoms attached through a sulphur bridge; for example trifluoromethyl-S—, and pentafluoroethyl-S—.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to cyclized alkyl groups, including mono-, bi- or poly-cyclic ring systems. “C₃ to C₇ cycloalkyl” or “C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl” is intended to include C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, and C₇ cycloalkyl groups. Example cycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and norbornyl. Branched cycloalkyl groups such as 1-methylcyclopropyl and 2-methylcyclopropyl are included in the definition of “cycloalkyl”.

As used herein, “carbocycle,” “carbocyclyl,” or “carbocyclic residue” is intended to mean any stable 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-membered monocyclic or bicyclic or 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, or 13-membered bicyclic or tricyclic ring, any of which may be saturated, partially unsaturated, unsaturated or aromatic. Examples of such carbocycles include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptenyl, cycloheptyl, cycloheptenyl, adamantyl, cyclooctyl, cyclooctenyl, cyclooctadienyl, [3.3.0]bicyclooctane, [4.3.0]bicyclononane, [4.4.0]bicyclodecane (decalin), [2.2.2]bicyclooctane, fluorenyl, phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, adamantyl, anthracenyl, and tetrahydronaphthyl (tetralin). As shown above, bridged rings are also included in the definition of carbocycle (e.g., [2.2.2]bicyclooctane). Preferred carbocycles, unless otherwise specified, are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, indanyl, and tetrahydronaphthyl. When the term “carbocycle” is used, it is intended to include “aryl.” A bridged ring occurs when one or more, preferably one to three, carbon atoms link two non-adjacent carbon atoms. Preferred bridges are one or two carbon atoms. It is noted that a bridge always converts a monocyclic ring into a tricyclic ring. When a ring is bridged, the substituents recited for the ring may also be present on the bridge.

As used herein, the term “bicyclic carbocycle” or “bicyclic carbocyclic group” is intended to mean a stable 9- or 10-membered carbocyclic ring system that contains two fused rings and consists of carbon atoms. Of the two fused rings, one ring is a benzo ring fused to a second ring; and the second ring is a 5- or 6-membered carbon ring which is saturated, partially unsaturated, or unsaturated. The bicyclic carbocyclic group may be attached to its pendant group at any carbon atom which results in a stable structure. The bicyclic carbocyclic group described herein may be substituted on any carbon if the resulting compound is stable. Examples of a bicyclic carbocyclic group are, but not limited to, naphthyl, 1,2-dihydronaphthyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, and indanyl.

“Aryl” groups refer to monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including, for example, phenyl, naphthyl, and phenanthranyl. Aryl moieties are well known and described, for example, in Lewis, R. J., ed., Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 13th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York (1997). “C₆ or C₁₀ aryl” or “C₆₋₁₀ aryl” refers to phenyl and naphthyl. Unless otherwise specified, “aryl”, “C₆ or C₁₀ aryl,” “C₆₋₁₀ aryl,” or “aromatic residue” may be unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 5 groups, preferably 1 to 3 groups, selected from —OH, —OCH₃, —Cl, —F, —Br, —I, —CN, —NO₂, —NH₂, —N(CH₃)H, —N(CH₃)₂, —CF₃, —OCF₃, —C(O)CH₃, —SCH₃, —S(O)CH₃, —S(O)₂CH₃, —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —CO₂H, and —CO₂CH₃.

The term “benzyl,” as used herein, refers to a methyl group on which one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by a phenyl group, wherein said phenyl group may optionally be substituted with 1 to 5 groups, preferably 1 to 3 groups, OH, OCH₃, Cl, F, Br, I, CN, NO₂, NH₂, N(CH₃)H, N(CH₃)₂, CF₃, OCF₃, C(═O)CH₃, SCH₃, S(═O)CH₃, S(═O)₂CH₃, CH₃, CH₂CH₃, CO₂H, and CO₂CH₃.

As used herein, the term “heterocycle,” “heterocyclyl,” or “heterocyclic group” is intended to mean a stable 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-membered monocyclic or bicyclic or 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, 13-, or 14-membered polycyclic heterocyclic ring that is saturated, partially unsaturated, or fully unsaturated, and that contains carbon atoms and 1, 2, 3 or 4 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; and including any polycyclic group in which any of the above-defined heterocyclic rings is fused to a benzene ring. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., N→O and S(O)_(p), wherein p is 0, 1 or 2). The nitrogen atom may be substituted or unsubstituted (i.e., N or NR wherein R is H or another substituent, if defined). The heterocyclic ring may be attached to its pendant group at any heteroatom or carbon atom that results in a stable structure. The heterocyclic rings described herein may be substituted on carbon or on a nitrogen atom if the resulting compound is stable. A nitrogen in the heterocycle may optionally be quaternized. It is preferred that when the total number of S and O atoms in the heterocycle exceeds 1, then these heteroatoms are not adjacent to one another. It is preferred that the total number of S and O atoms in the heterocycle is not more than 1. When the term “heterocycle” is used, it is intended to include heteroaryl.

Examples of heterocycles include, but are not limited to, acridinyl, azetidinyl, azocinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzoxazolinyl, benzthiazolyl, benztriazolyl, benztetrazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, benzimidazolinyl, carbazolyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, carbolinyl, chromanyl, chromenyl, cinnolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, 2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, dihydrofuro[2,3-b]tetrahydrofuran, furanyl, furazanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, imidazolopyridinyl, indolenyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, isatinoyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindazolyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, isothiazolopyridinyl, isoxazolyl, isoxazolopyridinyl, methylenedioxyphenyl, morpholinyl, naphthyridinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, oxadiazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolopyridinyl, oxazolidinylperimidinyl, oxindolyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthridinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxathiinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, piperidonyl, 4-piperidonyl, piperonyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolopyridinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridooxazolyl, pyridoimidazolyl, pyridothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinuclidinyl, tetrazolyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl, 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, thianthrenyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, thiazolopyridinyl, thienothiazolyl, thienooxazolyl, thienoimidazolyl, thiophenyl, triazinyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,5-triazolyl, 1,3,4-triazolyl, and xanthenyl. Also included are fused ring and spiro compounds containing, for example, the above heterocycles.

Examples of 5- to 10-membered heterocycles include, but are not limited to, pyridinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, indolyl, tetrazolyl, isoxazolyl, morpholinyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, thiadiazinyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolyl, triazinyl, triazolyl, benzimidazolyl, 1H-indazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiofuranyl, benztetrazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, oxindolyl, benzoxazolinyl, benzthiazolyl, benzisothiazolyl, isatinoyl, isoquinolinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, isoxazolopyridinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, isothiazolopyridinyl, thiazolopyridinyl, oxazolopyridinyl, imidazolopyridinyl, and pyrazolopyridinyl.

Examples of 5- to 6-membered heterocycles include, but are not limited to, pyridinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, indolyl, tetrazolyl, isoxazolyl, morpholinyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, oxazolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, thiadiazinyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolyl, triazinyl, and triazolyl. Also included are fused ring and spiro compounds containing, for example, the above heterocycles.

As used herein, the term “bicyclic heterocycle” or “bicyclic heterocyclic group” is intended to mean a stable 9- or 10-membered heterocyclic ring system which contains two fused rings and consists of carbon atoms and 1, 2, 3, or 4 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S. Of the two fused rings, one ring is a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic aromatic ring comprising a 5-membered heteroaryl ring, a 6-membered heteroaryl ring or a benzo ring, each fused to a second ring. The second ring is a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic ring which is saturated, partially unsaturated, or unsaturated, and comprises a 5-membered heterocycle, a 6-membered heterocycle or a carbocycle (provided the first ring is not benzo when the second ring is a carbocycle).

The bicyclic heterocyclic group may be attached to its pendant group at any heteroatom or carbon atom which results in a stable structure. The bicyclic heterocyclic group described herein may be substituted on carbon or on a nitrogen atom if the resulting compound is stable. It is preferred that when the total number of S and O atoms in the heterocycle exceeds 1, then these heteroatoms are not adjacent to one another. It is preferred that the total number of S and O atoms in the heterocycle is not more than 1.

Examples of a bicyclic heterocyclic group are, but not limited to, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, phthalazinyl, quinazolinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indolinyl, 1H-indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolinyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-quinolinyl, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuranyl, chromanyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoxalinyl, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinazolinyl.

As used herein, the term “aromatic heterocyclic group” or “heteroaryl” is intended to mean stable monocyclic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that include at least one heteroatom ring member such as sulfur, oxygen, or nitrogen. Heteroaryl groups include, without limitation, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, furyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, indolyl, pyrroyl, oxazolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, benzthiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, indazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, purinyl, carbazolyl, benzimidazolyl, indolinyl, benzodioxolanyl, and benzodioxane. Heteroaryl groups are substituted or unsubstituted. The nitrogen atom is substituted or unsubstituted (i.e., N or NR wherein R is H or another substituent, if defined). The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized (i.e., N→O and S(O)_(p), wherein p is 0, 1 or 2).

Bridged rings are also included in the definition of heterocycle. A bridged ring occurs when one or more, preferably one to three, atoms (i.e., C, O, N, or S) link two non-adjacent carbon or nitrogen atoms. Examples of bridged rings include, but are not limited to, one carbon atom, two carbon atoms, one nitrogen atom, two nitrogen atoms, and a carbon-nitrogen group. It is noted that a bridge always converts a monocyclic ring into a tricyclic ring. When a ring is bridged, the substituents recited for the ring may also be present on the bridge.

The term “counter ion” is used to represent a negatively charged species such as chloride, bromide, hydroxide, acetate, and sulfate.

When a dotted ring is used within a ring structure, this indicates that the ring structure may be saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated.

As referred to herein, the term “substituted” means that at least one hydrogen atom is replaced with a non-hydrogen group, provided that normal valencies are maintained and that the substitution results in a stable compound. When a substituent is keto (i.e., ═O), then 2 hydrogens on the atom are replaced. Keto substituents are not present on aromatic moieties. When a ring system (e.g., carbocyclic or heterocyclic) is said to be substituted with a carbonyl group or a double bond, it is intended that the carbonyl group or double bond be part (i.e., within) of the ring. Ring double bonds, as used herein, are double bonds that are formed between two adjacent ring atoms (e.g., C═C, C═N, or N═N).

In cases wherein there are nitrogen atoms (e.g., amines) on compounds of the present invention, these may be converted to N-oxides by treatment with an oxidizing agent (e.g., mCPBA and/or hydrogen peroxides) to afford other compounds of this invention. Thus, shown and claimed nitrogen atoms are considered to cover both the shown nitrogen and its N-oxide (N→O) derivative.

When any variable occurs more than one time in any constituent or formula for a compound, its definition at each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence. Thus, for example, if a group is shown to be substituted with 0-3 R groups, then said group may optionally be substituted with up to three R groups, and at each occurrence R is selected independently from the definition of R.

Also, combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

When a bond to a substituent is shown to cross a bond connecting two atoms in a ring, then such substituent may be bonded to any atom on the ring. When a substituent is listed without indicating the atom in which such substituent is bonded to the rest of the compound of a given formula, then such substituent may be bonded via any atom in such substituent. Combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

As a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able to understand that imine and carbonyl groups in a molecule may tautomerize to their enamine and enol forms, and the double bond can exist as geometrical (E and Z) isomers as shown in the following equation, wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above:

Thus, this disclosure is intended to cover all possible tautomers even when a structure depicts only one of them.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms that are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, and/or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refer to derivatives of the disclosed compounds wherein the parent compound is modified by making acid or base salts thereof. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic groups such as amines; and alkali or organic salts of acidic groups such as carboxylic acids. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional non-toxic salts or the quaternary ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, such conventional non-toxic salts include those derived from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, sulfamic, phosphoric, and nitric; and the salts prepared from organic acids such as acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, stearic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, pamoic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, phenylacetic, glutamic, benzoic, salicylic, sulfanilic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, fumaric, toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethane disulfonic, oxalic, and isethionic.

The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention can be synthesized from the parent compound that contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting the free acid or base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two; generally, nonaqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are preferred. Lists of suitable salts are found in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 22^(nd) Edition, Allen, L. V. Jr., Ed.; Pharmaceutical Press, London, UK (2012), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In addition, compounds of Formula (I), Formula (II), or Formula (III) may have prodrug forms. Any compound that will be converted in vivo to provide the bioactive agent (i.e., a compound of Formula (I), Formula (II) or Formula (III)) is a prodrug within the scope and spirit of the invention. Various forms of prodrugs are well known in the art. For examples of such prodrug derivatives, see:

a) Bundgaard, H., ed., Design of Prodrugs, Elsevier (1985), and Widder, K. et al., eds., Methods in Enzymology, 112:309-396, Academic Press (1985);

b) Bundgaard, H., Chapter 5, “Design and Application of Prodrugs,” Krosgaard-Larsen, P. et al., eds., A Textbook of Drug Design and Development, pp. 113-191, Harwood Academic Publishers (1991);

c) Bundgaard, H., Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev., 8:1-38 (1992);

d) Bundgaard, H. et al., J. Pharm. Sci., 77:285 (1988);

e) Kakeya, N. et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 32:692 (1984); and

f) Rautio, J (Editor). Prodrugs and Targeted Delivery (Methods and Principles in Medicinal Chemistry), Vol 47, Wiley-VCH, 2011.

Compounds containing a carboxy group can form physiologically hydrolyzable esters that serve as prodrugs by being hydrolyzed in the body to yield Formula (I), Formula (II), or Formula (III) compounds per se. Such prodrugs are preferably administered orally since hydrolysis in many instances occurs principally under the influence of the digestive enzymes. Parenteral administration may be used where the ester per se is active, or in those instances where hydrolysis occurs in the blood. Examples of physiologically hydrolyzable esters of compounds of Formula (I), Formula (II), or Formula (III) include C₁ to C₆ alkyl, C₁ to C₆ alkylbenzyl, 4-methoxybenzyl, indanyl, phthalyl, methoxymethyl, C₁₋₆ alkanoyloxy-C₁₋₆ alkyl (e.g., acetoxymethyl, pivaloyloxymethyl or propionyloxymethyl), C₁ to C₆ alkoxycarbonyloxy-C₁ to C₆ alkyl (e.g., methoxycarbonyl-oxymethyl or ethoxycarbonyloxymethyl, glycyloxymethyl, phenylglycyloxymethyl, (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)-methyl), and other well known physiologically hydrolyzable esters used, for example, in the penicillin and cephalosporin arts. Such esters may be prepared by conventional techniques known in the art.

Preparation of prodrugs is well known in the art and described in, for example, King, F. D., ed., Medicinal Chemistry: Principles and Practice, The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK (2^(nd) edition, reproduced, 2006); Testa, B. et al., Hydrolysis in Drug and Prodrug Metabolism. Chemistry, Biochemistry and Enzymology, VCHA and Wiley-VCH, Zurich, Switzerland (2003); Wermuth, C. G., ed., The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry, 3^(rd) edition, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (2008).

The present invention is intended to include all isotopes of atoms occurring in the present compounds. Isotopes include those atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers. By way of general example and without limitation, isotopes of hydrogen include deuterium and tritium. Isotopes of carbon include ¹³C and ¹⁴C. Isotopically-labeled compounds of the invention can generally be prepared by conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art or by processes analogous to those described herein, using an appropriate isotopically-labeled reagent in place of the non-labeled reagent otherwise employed. Such compounds have a variety of potential uses, e.g., as standards and reagents in determining the ability of a potential pharmaceutical compound to bind to target proteins or receptors, or for imaging compounds of this invention bound to biological receptors in vivo or in vitro.

“Stable compound” and “stable structure” are meant to indicate a compound that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, and formulation into an efficacious therapeutic agent. It is preferred that compounds of the present invention do not contain a N-halo, S(O)₂H, or S(O)H group.

The term “solvate” means a physical association of a compound of this invention with one or more solvent molecules, whether organic or inorganic. This physical association includes hydrogen bonding. In certain instances the solvate will be capable of isolation, for example when one or more, preferably one to three, solvent molecules are incorporated in the crystal lattice of the crystalline solid. The solvent molecules in the solvate may be present in a regular arrangement and/or a non-ordered arrangement. The solvate may comprise either a stoichiometric or nonstoichiometric amount of the solvent molecules. “Solvate” encompasses both solution-phase and isolable solvates. Exemplary solvates include, but are not limited to, hydrates, ethanolates, methanolates, and isopropanolates. Methods of solvation are generally known in the art.

Abbreviations as used herein, are defined as follows: “1×” for once, “2×” for twice, “3×” for thrice, “° C.” for degrees Celsius, “eq” for equivalent or equivalents, “g” for gram or grams, “mg” for milligram or milligrams, “L” for liter or liters, “mL” for milliliter or milliliters, “μL” for microliter or microliters, “N” for normal, “M” for molar, “nM” for nanomolar, “mol” for mole or moles, “mmol” for millimole or millimoles, “min” for minute or minutes, “h” for hour or hours, “rt” for room temperature, “Rt” for retention time, “atm” for atmosphere, “psi” for pounds per square inch, “conc.” for concentrate, “sat” or “sat'd” for saturated, “MW” for molecular weight, “mp” for melting point, “MS” or “Mass Spec” for mass spectrometry, “ESI” for electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, “HR” for high resolution, “HRMS” for high resolution mass spectrometry, “LCMS” for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, “HPLC” for high pressure liquid chromatography, “RP HPLC” for reverse phase HPLC, “TLC” or “tlc” for thin layer chromatography, “NMR” for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, “nOe” for nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, “¹H” for proton, “δ” for delta, “s” for singlet, “d” for doublet, “t” for triplet, “q” for quartet, “m” for multiplet, “br” for broad, “Hz” for hertz, and “α”, “β”, “R”, “S”, “E”, and “Z” are stereochemical designations familiar to one skilled in the art.

-   AcOH or HOAc acetic acid -   AlCl₃ aluminum chloride -   Alk alkyl -   BBr₃ boron tribromide -   BCl₃ boron trichloride -   Bn benzyl -   Boc tert-butyloxycarbonyl -   BOP reagent benzotriazol-1-yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium     hexafluorophosphate -   Bu butyl -   i-Bu isobutyl -   t-Bu tert-butyl -   t-BuOH tert-butanol -   Cbz carbobenzyloxy -   CDCl₃ deutero-chloroform -   CD₃OD deutero-methanol -   CH₂Cl₂ dichloromethane -   CH₃CN or ACN acetonitrile -   CHCl₃ chloroform -   CO₂ carbon dioxide -   mCPBA or m-CPBA meta-chloroperbenzoic acid -   Cs₂CO₃ cesium carbonate -   Cu(OAc)₂ copper (II) acetate -   DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene -   DCE 1,2-dichloroethane -   DCM dichloromethane -   DEA diethylamine -   DIC or DIPCDI diisopropylcarbodiimide -   DIEA, DIPEA or diisopropylethylamine -   Hunig's base -   DMAP 4-dimethylaminopyridine -   DME 1,2-dimethoxyethane -   DMF dimethyl formamide -   DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide -   cDNA complimentary DNA -   Dppp (R)-(+)-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane -   EDC N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide -   EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid -   Et ethyl -   Et₃N or TEA triethylamine -   Et₂O diethyl ether -   EtOAc ethyl acetate -   EtOH ethanol -   HATU (2-(7-aza-1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium     hexafluorophosphate) -   HCl hydrochloric acid -   HOBt or HOBT 1-hydroxybenzotriazole -   HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography -   H₃PO₄ phosphoric acid -   H₂SO₄ sulfuric acid -   K₂CO₃ potassium carbonate -   KOAc potassium acetate -   K₃PO₄ potassium phosphate -   LAH lithium aluminum hydride -   LDA lithium diisopropylamide -   LG leaving group -   LiOH lithium hydroxide -   Me methyl -   MeOH methanol -   MgSO₄ magnesium sulfate -   MsOH or MSA methylsulfonic acid -   NaCl sodium chloride -   Na₂CO₃ sodium carbonate -   NaH sodium hydride -   NaHB(OAc)₃ sodium triacetoxyborohydride -   NaHCO₃ sodium bicarbonate -   NaHMDS sodium hexamethyldisilazane -   NaOH sodium hydroxide -   NaOMe sodium methoxide -   Na₂SO₃ sodium sulfite -   Na₂SO₄ sodium sulfate -   NBS N-bromosuccinimide -   NH₃ ammonia -   NH₄Cl ammonium chloride -   NH₄OAc ammonium acetate -   NH₄OH ammonium hydroxide -   OTf triflate or trifluoromethanesulfonate -   Pd₂(dba)₃ tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) -   Pd(OAc)₂ palladium(II) acetate -   Pd/C palladium on carbon -   Pd(dppf)Cl₂     [1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-ferrocene]dichloropalladium(II) -   Ph₃PCl₂ triphenylphosphine dichloride -   PG protecting group -   Ph phenyl -   PMB p-methoxybenzyl -   POCl₃ phosphorus oxychloride -   Pr propyl -   i-Pr isopropyl -   i-PrOH or IPA isopropanol -   PS polystyrene -   PS-Pd(Ph₃)₄ tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) on polystyrene     support -   PyBOP (benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tripyrrolidinophosphonium     hexafluorophosphate -   SiO₂ silica oxide -   SnCl₂ tin(II) chloride -   TBAF tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride -   TBAI tetra-n-butylammonium iodide -   TEA triethylamine -   TFA trifluoroacetic acid -   THF tetrahydrofuran -   TMSCHN₂ trimethylsilyldiazomethane -   T3P 1-propanephosphonic acid cyclic anhydride -   Xantphos or X-Phos 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene     Synthesis

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared in a number of ways known to one skilled in the art of organic synthesis. The compounds of the present invention can be synthesized using the methods described below, together with synthetic methods known in the art of synthetic organic chemistry, or by variations thereon as appreciated by those skilled in the art. Preferred methods include, but are not limited to, those described below. The reactions are performed in a solvent or solvent mixture appropriate to the reagents and materials employed and suitable for the transformations being affected. It will be understood by those skilled in the art of organic synthesis that the functionality present on the molecule should be consistent with the transformations proposed. This will sometimes require a judgment to modify the order of the synthetic steps or to select one particular process scheme over another in order to obtain a desired compound of the invention.

A particularly useful compendium of synthetic methods which may be applicable to the preparation of compounds of the present invention may be found in Larock, R. C., Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers, Inc., New York (1999). Preferred methods include, but are not limited to, those described below. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

The novel compounds of this invention may be prepared using the reactions and techniques described in this section. Also, in the description of the synthetic methods described below, it is to be understood that all proposed reaction conditions, including choice of solvent, reaction atmosphere, reaction temperature, duration of the experiment and workup procedures, are chosen to be the conditions standard for that reaction, which should be readily recognized by one skilled in the art. Restrictions to the substituents that are compatible with the reaction conditions will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art and alternate methods must then be used.

It will also be recognized that another major consideration in the planning of any synthetic route in this field is the judicious choice of the protecting group used for protection of the reactive functional groups present in the compounds described in this invention. An authoritative account describing the many alternatives to the trained practitioner is Wuts, P. G. M. and Greene, T. W (Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4^(th) Edition, Wiley (2007)).

Generic Schemes

Step 1

Step 1 describes the preparation of compounds of Formula (G1b) by reacting the ester of Formula (G1a) with hydrazine. The preferred solvent includes alcohols (such as methanol, ethanol and the like).

Step 2

Step 2 describes the preparation of oxadiazoles of Formula (G1c) by reacting the hydrazide of Formula (G1b) with an acid of formula R⁴—CO₂H in the presence of a dehydrating agent. Preferred reagents for the dehydration are anhydrides (such as 1-propanephosphonic acid cyclic anhydride (T3P) and the like). Preferred reaction solvents are ethers (such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran and the like), esters (such as ethyl acetate and the like) and halogenated hydrocarbons (such as dichloromethane, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane and the like). Bases such as an organic amine (such as triethylamine, diisopropylamine, DBU, 2,6-lutidine and the like) can be used.

Step 3

Step 3 describes the preparation of compounds of Formula (G1d) by reacting a compound of Formula (G1c) with sodium nitrite in the presence of an acid (such as acetic acid and the like) and water.

Step 4

Step 4 describes the preparation of compounds of Formula (G1e) by reducing a compound of Formula (G1d) followed by acylation of the corresponding amine. The preferred reagents for reduction are hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst (such as palladium on carbon and the like). The preferred solvents for reduction are alcohols (such as methanol, ethanol and the like). The acylating reagents are anhydrides, isocyanates and the like).

General Methods

The following methods were used in the exemplified Examples, except where noted otherwise.

Products were analyzed by reverse phase analytical HPLC carried out on a Shimadzu Analytical HPLC system running Discovery VP software using Method A: PHENOMENEX® Luna C18 column (4.6×50 mm or 4.6×75 mm) eluted at 4 mL/min with a 2, 4 or 8 min gradient from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% methanol, 89.9% water, 0.1% TFA; B: 10% water, 89.9% methanol, 0.1% TFA, UV 220 nm), or Method B: PHENOMENEX® Luna C18 column (4.6×50 mm) eluted at 4 mL/min with a 4 min gradient from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% acetonitrile, 89.9% water, 0.1% TFA; B: 10% water, 89.9% acetonitrile, 0.1% TFA, UV 220 nm) or Method C: PHENOMENEX® Luna C18 column (4.6×50 mm or 4.6×75 mm) eluted at 4 mL/min with a 2, 4 or 8 min gradient from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% methanol, 89.9% water, 0.1% H₃PO₄; B: 10% water, 89.9% methanol, 0.1% H₃PO₄, UV 220 nm) or Method D: PHENOMENEX® Luna C18 column (4.6×50 mm or 4.6×75 mm) eluted at 4 mL/min with a 2, 4 or 8 min gradient from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% methanol, 89.9% water, 0.1% NH₄OAc; B: 10% water, 89.9% methanol, 0.1% NH₄OAc, UV 220 nm).

Purification of intermediates and final products was carried out via either normal or reverse phase chromatography. Normal phase chromatography was carried out using prepacked SiO₂ cartridges eluted with gradients of hexanes and ethyl acetate or methylene chloride and methanol. Reverse phase preparative HPLC was carried out using a Shimadzu Preparative HPLC system running Discovery VP software using the following methods, except where noted otherwise.

Method A: YMC Sunfire 5 μm C18 30×100 mm column with a 10 min gradient at 40 mL/min from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% methanol, 89.9% water, 0.1% TFA; B: 10% water, 89.9% methanol, 0.1% TFA, UV 220 nm).

Method B: PHENOMENEX® Axia Luna 5 μm C18 30×75 mm column with a 10 min gradient at 40 mL/min from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% acetonitrile, 89.9% water, 0.1% TFA; B: 10% water, 89.9% acetonitrile, 0.1% TFA, UV 220 nm)

Method C: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 30×100 mm column with a 10 min gradient at 40 mL/min from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% acetonitrile, 89.9% water, 0.1% TFA; B: 10% water, 89.9% acetonitrile, 0.1% TFA, UV 220 nm).

Method D: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 30×100 mm column with a 10 min gradient at 40 mL/min from 100% A to 100% B (A: 10% methanol, 89.9% water, 0.1% TFA; B: 10% water, 89.9% methanol, 0.1% TFA, UV 220 nm).

Alternatively, reverse phase preparative HPLC was carried out using a Varian ProStar Preparative HPLC System running Star 6.2 Chromatography Workstation software using the following methods, except where noted otherwise.

Method E: Dynamax 10 μm C18 41.4×250 mm column with a 30 min gradient at 30 mL/min from 10% B to 100% B (A: 98% water, 2% acetonitrile, 0.05% TFA; B: 98% acetonitrile, 2% water, 0.05% TFA, UV 254 nm).

Method F: WATERS® XBridge 19×150 mm 5 μm C18 with a 10 min gradient at 20 mlmin from 0% B to 100% B (A: 0.1% TFA, 10% ACN, 90% water; B: 0.1% TFA, 90% ACN, 10% water, UV 254 nm).

Method G: YMC Sunfire, 5μ, C18 30×100 mm column with a 10 min gradient at 40 mL/min from 30% B-100% B. (A: 10 mM NH₄OAc, 10% MeOH, 90% water; B: 10 mM NH₄Oac, 90% MeOH, 10% water, UV 254 nm).

LCMS chromatograms were obtained on a Shimadzu HPLC system running Discovery VP software, coupled with a Waters ZQ mass spectrometer running MassLynx version 3.5 software and using the following respective methods. Unless specified otherwise, for each method, the LC column was maintained at room temperature and UV detection was set to 220 nm. The following methods were used in the examples, except where noted otherwise.

Method A: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% methanol, 90% water, 0.1% of TFA) and solvent B (90% methanol, 10% water, 0.1% of TFA); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 (4.5×50 mm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

Method B: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% methanol, 90% water, 0.1% of TFA) and solvent B (90% methanol, 10% water, 0.1% of TFA); 0-100% of solvent B over 2 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 (2.0×30 mm). Flow rate was 1 mL/min.

Method C: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% acetonitrile, 90% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc) and solvent B (90% acetonitrile, 10% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 (4.5×50 mm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

Method D: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% acetonitrile, 90% water, 0.05% of TFA) and solvent B (90% acetonitrile, 10% water, 0.05% of TFA); 0-100% of solvent B over 2 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 (4.5×30 mm). Flow rate was 1 mL/min.

Method E: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% MeOH, 90% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc) and solvent B (90% MeOH, 10% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 (4.5×50 mm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

Method F: A linear gradient using solvent A (10 mM NH₄OAc, 95% water, 5% ACN) and solvent B (10 mM NH₄OAc, 95% ACN, 5% water); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: Mac-Mod Halo (C18, 4.6×50 mm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

Method G: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% acetonitrile, 90% water, 0.1% TFA) and solvent B (90% acetonitrile, 10% water, 0.1% TFA); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 3 μm C18 (2.0×50 mm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

Method H: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% methanol, 90% water, 0.1% of formic acid) and solvent B (90% methanol, 10% water, 0.1% of formic acid); 0-100% of solvent B over 2 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 3 μm C18 (2.0×30 mm). Flow rate was 1 mL/min.

Method I: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% MeOH, 90% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc) and solvent B (90% MeOH, 10% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc); 0-100% of solvent B over 2 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 3 μm C18 (2.0×30 mm). Flow rate was 1 mL/min.

Method J: A linear gradient using solvent A (10% methanol, 90% water, 0.1% of formic acid) and solvent B (90% methanol, 10% water, 0.1% of TFA); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: PHENOMENEX® Luna 5 μm C18 (4.5×50 mm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

Method K: A linear gradient using solvent A (10 mM NH₄OAc, 95% water, 5% ACN) and solvent B (10 mM NH₄OAc, 95% ACN, 5% water); 0-100% of solvent B over 5.5 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1.5 min. Column: SUPELCO Ascentis 4.6×50 mm 2.7 μm C18. Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

Method L: A linear gradient using solvent A (5% methanol, 95% water, 0.05% of TFA) and solvent B (95% methanol, 5% water, 0.05% of TFA); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: WATERS® XBridge C18 (4.6×50 mm, 5 μm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min. The LC column was maintained at 35° C.

Method M: A linear gradient using of Solvent A (0.05% TFA, 100% water) and Solvent B (0.05% TFA, 100% ACN); 2 to 98% B over 1 min, with 0.5 min hold time at 98% B. Column: WATERS® BEH C18 (2.1×50 mm). Flow rate: 0.8 mL/min.

Method N: A linear gradient using solvent A (5% ACN, 95% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc) and solvent B (95% ACN, 5% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc); 0-100% of solvent B over 3 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: WATERS® BEH C18 (2.1×50 mm). Flow rate: 1.1 mL/min.

Method O: A linear gradient using solvent A (5% ACN, 95% water, 0.05% of TFA) and solvent B (95% ACN, 5% water, 0.05% of TFA); 0-100% of solvent B over 3 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: WATERS® BEH C18 (2.1×50 mm). Flow rate: 1.1 mL/min.

Method P: A linear gradient using solvent A (5% ACN, 95% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc) and solvent B (95% ACN, 5% water, 10 mM NH₄OAc); 0-100% of solvent B over 4 min and then 100% of solvent B over 1 min. Column: WATERS® XBridge C18 (4.6×50 mm, 5 μm). Flow rate was 4 mL/min.

NMR Employed in Characterization of Examples

¹H NMR spectra were obtained with Bruker or JEOL Fourier transform spectrometers operating at frequencies as follows: ¹H NMR: 400 MHz (Bruker or JEOL) or 500 MHz (JEOL). ¹³C NMR: 100 MHz (Bruker or JEOL). Spectra data are reported in the format: chemical shift (multiplicity, coupling constants, number of hydrogens). Chemical shifts are specified in ppm downfield of a tetramethylsilane internal standard (δ units, tetramethylsilane=0 ppm) and/or referenced to solvent peaks, which in ¹H NMR spectra appear at 2.49 ppm for CD₂HSOCD₃, 3.30 ppm for CD₂HOD, and 7.24 ppm for CHCl₃, and which in ¹³C NMR spectra appear at 39.7 ppm for CD₃SOCD₃, 49.0 ppm for CD₃OD, and 77.0 ppm for CDCl₃. All ¹³C NMR spectra were proton decoupled.

Biology

The endothelium occupies a pivotal position at the interface between the circulating humoral and cellular elements of the blood, and the solid tissues which constitute the various organs. In this unique position, endothelial cells regulate a large number of critical processes, including leukocyte adherence and transit through the blood vessel wall, local control of blood vessel tone, modulation of the immune response, the balance between thrombosis and thrombolysis, and new blood vessel development. Thus, endothelial cell dysfunction has been postulated as a central feature of vascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. (WO 1999/032611 and references cited therein, e.g., Folkman, J. et al., Science, 235:442-447 (1987); Yanagisawa, M. et al., Nature, 332(6163):411-415 (1988); Folkman, J. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267(16):10931-10934 (1992); Janssens, S. P. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 267(21):14519-14522 (1992); Lamas, S. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 89(14):6348-6352 (1992); Luscher, T. F. et al., Hypertension, 19(2):117-130 (1992); Williams et al., Am. Rev. Respir. Dis., 146:S45-S50 (1992); and Bevilacqua, M. P. et al., J. Clin. Invest., 91(2):379-387 (1993)).

Atherosclerosis and its associated coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality in the industrialized world. Despite attempts to modify secondary risk factors (smoking, obesity, lack of exercise) and treatment of dyslipidemia with dietary modification and drug therapy, coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the most common cause of death in the U.S. In 2008, cardiovascular disease accounted for 33% of all deaths in the U.S., and ˜1 of every 6 deaths were specifically caused by atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (Circulation 125:e2-e220 (2012)).

Risk for development of atherosclerosis has been shown to be strongly correlated with certain plasma lipid levels. While elevated low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) may be the most recognized form of dyslipidemia, it is by no means the only significant lipid associated contributor to CHD. A low level of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is also a known risk factor for CHD (Gordon, D. J. et al., Circulation, 79(1):8-15 (1989)).

High LDL-C and triglyceride levels are positively correlated, while high levels of HDL-C are negatively correlated with the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Thus, dyslipidemia is not a unitary risk profile for CHD but may be comprised of one or more, preferably one to three, lipid aberrations.

At least 50% of the variation in HDL cholesterol levels is genetically determined. The phenotype of elevated HDL cholesterol is often dominantly inherited, but homozygous deficiency of HL or of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), which result in elevated HDL cholesterol, are recessive conditions. Recently, several genetic variations in the human endothelial lipase gene have been identified, six of which potentially produce functional variants of the protein, and the frequencies of these variants were found to be associated with elevated levels of HDL cholesterol in human subjects (deLemos, A. S. et al., Circulation, 106(11):1321-1326 (2002)). Notably, the endothelial lipase-mediated binding and uptake of HDL particles and the selective uptake of HDL-derived cholesterol esters have been reported to be independent of its enzymatic lipolytic activity (Strauss, J. G. et al., Biochem. J., 368:69-79 (2002)).

Because of the beneficial effects widely associated with elevated HDL levels, an agent which inhibits EL activity in humans, by virtue of its HDL increasing ability, are expected to be useful for the treatment, prevention, the arrestment and/or regression of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disorders etc., especially those (but not restricted thereto) which are characterized by one or more of the following factors: (a) high plasma triglyceride concentrations, high postprandial plasma triglyceride concentrations; (b) low HDL cholesterol concentration; (c) low apoA1 lipoprotein concentrations; (d) high LDL cholesterol concentrations; (e) high levels of small dense LDL cholesterol particles; and (f) high apoB lipoprotein concentrations.

The term “modulator” refers to a chemical compound with capacity to either enhance (e.g., “agonist” activity) or partially enhance (e.g., “partial agonist” activity) or inhibit (e.g., “antagonist” activity or “inverse agonist” activity) a functional property of biological activity or process (e.g., enzyme activity or receptor binding); such enhancement or inhibition may be contingent on the occurrence of a specific event, such as activation of a signal transduction pathway, receptor internalization, and/or may be manifest only in particular cell types.

It is also desirable and preferable to find compounds with advantageous and improved characteristics compared with known anti-atherosclerosis agents, in one or more of the following categories that are given as examples, and are not intended to be limiting: (a) pharmacokinetic properties, including oral bioavailability, half life, and clearance; (b) pharmaceutical properties; (c) dosage requirements; (d) factors that decrease blood drug concentration peak-to-trough characteristics; (e) factors that increase the concentration of active drug at the receptor; (f) factors that decrease the liability for clinical drug-drug interactions; (g) factors that decrease the potential for adverse side-effects, including selectivity versus other biological targets; and (h) improved therapeutic index.

As used herein, the term “patient” encompasses all mammalian species.

As used herein, the term “subject” refers to any human or non-human organism that could potentially benefit from treatment with an anti-atherosclerosis agent, e.g., an endothelial lipase inhibitor. Exemplary subjects include human beings of any age with risk factors for atherosclerosis and its associated coronary artery disease. Common risk factors include, but are not limited to, age, sex, weight, and family history.

As used herein, “treating” or “treatment” cover the treatment of a disease-state in a mammal, particularly in a human, and include: (a) inhibiting the disease-state, i.e., arresting it development; and/or (b) relieving the disease-state, i.e., causing regression of the disease state.

As used herein, “prophylaxis” or “prevention” covers the preventive treatment of a subclinical disease-state in a mammal, particularly in a human, aimed at reducing the probability of the occurrence of a clinical disease-state. Patients are selected for preventative therapy based on factors that are known to increase risk of suffering a clinical disease state compared to the general population. “Prophylaxis” therapies can be divided into (a) primary prevention and (b) secondary prevention. Primary prevention is defined as treatment in a subject that has not yet presented with a clinical disease state, whereas secondary prevention is defined as preventing a second occurrence of the same or similar clinical disease state.

As used herein, “risk reduction” covers therapies that lower the incidence of development of a clinical disease state. As such, primary and secondary prevention therapies are examples of risk reduction.

“Therapeutically effective amount” is intended to include an amount of a compound of the present invention that is effective when administered alone or in combination to inhibit endothelial lipase and/or to prevent or treat the disorders listed herein. When applied to a combination, the term refers to combined amounts of the active ingredients that result in the preventive or therapeutic effect, whether administered in combination, serially, or simultaneously.

Biological Activity

Endothelial lipase activity was measured using a fluorescent substrate, A10070, (Invitrogen, CA) doped into an artificial vesicle containing DMPG (Avanti Polar Lipids) as the excipient. Vesicles were prepared by combining 285 μL, of 1 mM DMPG in a 1:1 mixture of MeOH and CHCl₃ with 15 μL, of 1 mM A10070 in a 1:1 mixture of MeOH and CHCl₃. The mixture was dried under nitrogen and resuspended in 150 μL, of 50 mM HEPES pH 8.0 buffer containing 100 mM NaCl and 0.2 mM EDTA. The sample was allowed to sit at rt for 15 min and then was sonicated 3×4 mins on ice with a Branson Sonicator using duty cycle 1. This preparation provides vesicles with a mole fraction of 0.05 for the FRET substrate.

The enzymatic assay was measured using white, opaque 96-well half area plates. Each well contained 60 μL, of assay buffer (50 mM HEPES pH 8.0, 50 mM NaCl and 1 mM CaCl₂) and 2 ul of a DMSO solution containing compound of interest. Conditioned media obtained from HT-1080 cells, which were transformed by RAGE technology (Athersys) to overexpress endogenous EL, was added and the reaction was allowed to incubate for 20 min at 37° C. with gentle agitation. The reaction was started by the addition of 20 μL, of a 1:4 dilution of vesicles. The final total reaction volume was 100 μL. The reaction rates were measured on a Gemini plate reader with an excitation wavelength of 488 nm and an emission of 530 nm. Readings were taken every 20 seconds for 10 min with agitation between each reading. The slope of the linear portion of the readout was used to calculate the rate of the reaction.

Comparator and Reference Compounds

The following comparator compounds, their preparations and EL IC₅₀ values are disclosed in WO 2011074560.

Example No. in EL IC₅₀ WO 2011074560 Structure (nM) I-1-85

6 reported in WO 2011074560 I-3-21

250 reported in WO 2011074560

The following reference compounds and their preparations are described below. The EL IC₅₀ values were measured using the EL assay described above.

EL IC₅₀ Compound No. Structure (nM) Reference 1

Isomer A, 3751 Isomer B, 5202 Reference 2

Isomer A, >25000 Isomer B, 713 Reference 3

 6518 Reference 4

14880

The exemplified compounds, Examples 1-26, disclosed in the present invention were tested in the EL assay described above. Surprisingly, Examples 1-26 were found having a range of EL IC₅₀ values of ≦0.3 μM (300 nM), as shown below.

Accordingly, the compounds of the present invention can be administered to mammals, preferably humans, for the treatment of a variety of conditions and disorders, including, but not limited to, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease, coronary vascular disease, cerebrovascular disorders, Alzheimer's disease, venous thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, dyslipidemia, hyperbetalipoproteinemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, familial-hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disorders, angina, ischemia, cardiac ischemia, stroke, myocardial infarction, reperfusion injury, angioplastic restenosis, hypertension, vascular complications of diabetes, obesity or endotoxemia.

VI. Pharmaceutical Compositions, Formulations and Combinations

The compounds of this invention can be administered for any of the uses described herein by any suitable means, for example, orally, such as tablets, capsules (each of which includes sustained release or timed release formulations), pills, powders, granules, elixirs, tinctures, suspensions (including nanosuspensions, microsuspensions, spray-dried dispersions), syrups, and emulsions; sublingually; bucally; parenterally, such as by subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, or intrasternal injection, or infusion techniques (e.g., as sterile injectable aqueous or non-aqueous solutions or suspensions); nasally, including administration to the nasal membranes, such as by inhalation spray; topically, such as in the form of a cream or ointment; or rectally such as in the form of suppositories. They can be administered alone, but generally will be administered with a pharmaceutical carrier selected on the basis of the chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice.

The term “pharmaceutical composition” means a composition comprising a compound of the invention in combination with at least one additional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to media generally accepted in the art for the delivery of biologically active agents to animals, in particular, mammals, including, i.e., adjuvant, excipient or vehicle, such as diluents, preserving agents, fillers, flow regulating agents, disintegrating agents, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, suspending agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, perfuming agents, anti-bacterial agents, anti-fungal agents, lubricating agents and dispensing agents, depending on the nature of the mode of administration and dosage forms. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are formulated according to a number of factors well within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. These include, without limitation: the type and nature of the active agent being formulated; the subject to which the agent-containing composition is to be administered; the intended route of administration of the composition; and the therapeutic indication being targeted. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include both aqueous and non-aqueous liquid media, as well as a variety of solid and semi-solid dosage forms. Such carriers can include a number of different ingredients and additives in addition to the active agent, such additional ingredients being included in the formulation for a variety of reasons, e.g., stabilization of the active agent, binders, etc., well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Descriptions of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and factors involved in their selection, are found in a variety of readily available sources such as, for example, Allen, L. V. Jr. et al. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (2 Volumes), 22nd Edition (2012), Pharmaceutical Press.

The dosage regimen for the compounds of the present invention will, of course, vary depending upon known factors, such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent and its mode and route of administration; the species, age, sex, health, medical condition, and weight of the recipient; the nature and extent of the symptoms; the kind of concurrent treatment; the frequency of treatment; the route of administration, the renal and hepatic function of the patient, and the effect desired.

By way of general guidance, the daily oral dosage of each active ingredient, when used for the indicated effects, will range between about 0.01 to about 5000 mg per day, preferably between about 0.1 to about 1000 mg per day, and most preferably between about 0.1 to about 250 mg per day. Intravenously, the most preferred doses will range from about 0.01 to about 10 mg/kg/minute during a constant rate infusion. Compounds of this invention may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three, or four times daily.

The compounds are typically administered in admixture with suitable pharmaceutical diluents, excipients, or carriers (collectively referred to herein as pharmaceutical carriers) suitably selected with respect to the intended form of administration, e.g., oral tablets, capsules, elixirs, and syrups, and consistent with conventional pharmaceutical practices.

Dosage forms (pharmaceutical compositions) suitable for administration may contain from about 1 milligram to about 2000 milligrams of active ingredient per dosage unit. In these pharmaceutical compositions the active ingredient will ordinarily be present in an amount of about 0.1-95% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

A typical capsule for oral administration contains at least one of the compounds of the present invention (250 mg), lactose (75 mg), and magnesium stearate (15 mg). The mixture is passed through a 60 mesh sieve and packed into a No. 1 gelatin capsule.

A typical injectable preparation is produced by aseptically placing at least one of the compounds of the present invention (250 mg) into a vial, aseptically freeze-drying and sealing. For use, the contents of the vial are mixed with 2 mL of physiological saline, to produce an injectable preparation.

The present invention includes within its scope pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention, alone or in combination with a pharmaceutical carrier. Optionally, compounds of the present invention can be used alone, in combination with other compounds of the invention, or in combination with one or more, preferably one to three, other therapeutic agent(s), e.g., HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or other pharmaceutically active material.

The compounds of the present invention may be employed in combination with other EL inhibitors or one or more, preferably one to three, other suitable therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders including: anti-atherosclerotic agents, anti-dyslipidemic agents, anti-diabetic agents, anti-hyperglycemic agents, anti-hyperinsulinemic agents, anti-thrombotic agents, anti-retinopathic agents, anti-neuropathic agents, anti-nephropathic agents, anti-ischemic agents, anti-hypertensive agents, anti-obesity agents, anti-hyperlipidemic agents, anti-hypertriglyceridemic agents, anti-hypercholesterolemic agents, anti-restenotic agents, anti-pancreatic agents, lipid lowering agents, anorectic agents, memory enhancing agents, anti-dementia agents, cognition promoting agents, appetite suppressants, treatments for heart failure, treatments for peripheral arterial disease, treatment for malignant tumors, and anti-inflammatory agents.

The compounds of the present invention may be employed in combination with additional therapeutic agent(s) selected from one or more, preferably one to three, of the following therapeutic agents in treating atherosclerosis: anti-hyperlipidemic agents, plasma HDL-raising agents, anti-hypercholesterolemic agents, cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors (such as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors), acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors, LXR agonist, probucol, raloxifene, nicotinic acid, niacinamide, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants (such as anion exchange resins, or quaternary amines (e.g., cholestyramine or colestipol)), low density lipoprotein receptor inducers, clofibrate, fenofibrate, benzofibrate, cipofibrate, gemfibrizol, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, anti-oxidant vitamins, β-blockers, anti-diabetes agents, angiotensin II antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, platelet aggregation inhibitors, fibrinogen receptor antagonists, aspirin or fibric acid derivatives.

The compounds of the present invention may be employed in combination with additional therapeutic agent(s) selected from one or more, preferably one to three, of the following therapeutic agents in treating cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor, particularly an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Examples of suitable HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors include, but are not limited to, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, and rivastatin.

The term HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is intended to include all pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, free acid and lactone forms of compounds which have HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity and, therefore, the use of such salts, esters, free acids and lactone forms is included within the scope of this invention. Compounds which have inhibitory activity for HMG-CoA reductase can be readily identified using assays well-known in the art.

The compounds of the invention may be used in combination with one or more, preferably one to three, of the following anti-diabetic agents depending on the desired target therapy. Studies indicate that diabetes and hyperlipidemia modulation can be further improved by the addition of a second agent to the therapeutic regimen. Examples of anti-diabetic agents include, but are not limited to, sulfonylureas (such as chlorpropamide, tolbutamide, acetohexamide, tolazamide, glyburide, gliclazide, glynase, glimepiride, and glipizide), biguanides (such as metformin), thiazolidinediones (such as ciglitazone, pioglitazone, troglitazone, and rosiglitazone), and related insulin sensitizers, such as selective and non-selective activators of PPARα, PPARβ and PPARγ; dehydroepiandrosterone (also referred to as DHEA or its conjugated sulphate ester, DHEA-SO₄); anti-glucocorticoids; TNFα inhibitors; α-glucosidase inhibitors (such as acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose), pramlintide (a synthetic analog of the human hormone amylin), other insulin secretagogues (such as repaglinide, gliquidone, and nateglinide), insulin, as well as the therapeutic agents discussed above for treating atherosclerosis.

The compounds of the invention may be used in combination with one or more, preferably one to three, of the following anti-obesity agents selected from phenylpropanolamine, phentermine, diethylpropion, mazindol, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, phentiramine, β₃-adrenoreceptor agonist agents; sibutramine, gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors (such as orlistat), and leptins. Other agents used in treating obesity or obesity-related disorders include neuropeptide Y, enterostatin, cholecytokinin, bombesin, amylin, histamine H₃ receptors, dopamine D₂ receptor modulators, melanocyte stimulating hormone, corticotrophin releasing factor, galanin and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA).

The above other therapeutic agents, when employed in combination with the compounds of the present invention may be used, for example, in those amounts indicated in the Physicians' Desk Reference, as in the patents set out above, or as otherwise determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Particularly when provided as a single dosage unit, the potential exists for a chemical interaction between the combined active ingredients. For this reason, when the compound of the present invention and a second therapeutic agent are combined in a single dosage unit they are formulated such that although the active ingredients are combined in a single dosage unit, the physical contact between the active ingredients is minimized (that is, reduced). For example, one active ingredient may be enteric coated. By enteric coating one of the active ingredients, it is possible not only to minimize the contact between the combined active ingredients, but also, it is possible to control the release of one of these components in the gastrointestinal tract such that one of these components is not released in the stomach but rather is released in the intestines. One of the active ingredients may also be coated with a material that affects a sustained-release throughout the gastrointestinal tract and also serves to minimize physical contact between the combined active ingredients. Furthermore, the sustained-released component can be additionally enteric coated such that the release of this component occurs only in the intestine. Still another approach would involve the formulation of a combination product in which the one component is coated with a sustained and/or enteric release polymer, and the other component is also coated with a polymer such as a low viscosity grade of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or other appropriate materials as known in the art, in order to further separate the active components. The polymer coating serves to form an additional barrier to interaction with the other component.

These as well as other ways of minimizing contact between the components of combination products of the present invention, whether administered in a single dosage form or administered in separate forms but at the same time by the same manner, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, once armed with the present disclosure.

The compounds of the present invention can be administered alone or in combination with one or more, preferably one to three, additional therapeutic agents. By “administered in combination” or “combination therapy” it is meant that the compound of the present invention and one or more, preferably one to three, additional therapeutic agents are administered concurrently to the mammal being treated. When administered in combination, each component may be administered at the same time or sequentially in any order at different points in time. Thus, each component may be administered separately but sufficiently closely in time so as to provide the desired therapeutic effect.

The compounds of the present invention are also useful as standard or reference compounds, for example as a quality standard or control, in tests or assays involving the endothelial lipase. Such compounds may be provided in a commercial kit, for example, for use in pharmaceutical research involving endothelial lipase or HDL activity. For example, a compound of the present invention could be used as a reference in an assay to compare its known activity to a compound with an unknown activity. This would ensure the experimenter that the assay was being performed properly and provide a basis for comparison, especially if the test compound was a derivative of the reference compound. When developing new assays or protocols, compounds according to the present invention could be used to test their effectiveness. The compounds of the present invention may also be used in diagnostic assays involving endothelial lipase.

The present invention also encompasses an article of manufacture. As used herein, article of manufacture is intended to include, but not be limited to, kits and packages. The article of manufacture of the present invention, comprises: (a) a first container; (b) a pharmaceutical composition located within the first container, wherein the composition, comprises: a first therapeutic agent, comprising: a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof; and, (c) a package insert stating that the pharmaceutical composition can be used for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof. In another embodiment, the package insert states that the pharmaceutical composition can be used in combination (as defined previously) with a second therapeutic agent for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of dyslipidemias and the sequelae thereof. The article of manufacture can further comprise: (d) a second container, wherein components (a) and (b) are located within the second container and component (c) is located within or outside of the second container. Located within the first and second containers means that the respective container holds the item within its boundaries.

The first container is a receptacle used to hold a pharmaceutical composition. This container can be for manufacturing, storing, shipping, and/or individual/bulk selling. First container is intended to cover a bottle, jar, vial, flask, syringe, tube (e.g., for a cream preparation), or any other container used to manufacture, hold, store, or distribute a pharmaceutical product.

The second container is one used to hold the first container and, optionally, the package insert. Examples of the second container include, but are not limited to, boxes (e.g., cardboard or plastic), crates, cartons, bags (e.g., paper or plastic bags), pouches, and sacks. The package insert can be physically attached to the outside of the first container via tape, glue, staple, or another method of attachment, or it can rest inside the second container without any physical means of attachment to the first container. Alternatively, the package insert is located on the outside of the second container. When located on the outside of the second container, it is preferable that the package insert is physically attached via tape, glue, staple, or another method of attachment. Alternatively, it can be adjacent to or touching the outside of the second container without being physically attached.

The package insert is a label, tag, marker, etc. that recites information relating to the pharmaceutical composition located within the first container. The information recited will usually be determined by the regulatory agency governing the area in which the article of manufacture is to be sold (e.g., the United States Food and Drug Administration). Preferably, the package insert specifically recites the indications for which the pharmaceutical composition has been approved. The package insert may be made of any material on which a person can read information contained therein or thereon. Preferably, the package insert is a printable material (e.g., paper, plastic, cardboard, foil, adhesive-backed paper or plastic, etc.) on which the desired information has been formed (e.g., printed or applied).

Other features of the invention should become apparent in the course of the above descriptions of exemplary embodiments that are given for illustration of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples have been prepared, isolated and characterized using the methods disclosed herein. The following examples demonstrate a partial scope of the invention and are not meant to be limiting of the scope of the invention.

Example 1 N-((5-((2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)(6-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

Example 1A 5-((5-((6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione

To a mixture of 2-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)acetic acid (1.0 g, 5.7 mmol) and 2-(6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetohydrazide (1.63 g, 5.71 mmol) (prepared as described in WO 2011/074560) in dioxane (8 mL) was added T3P (8.50 mL, 14.3 mmol, 50% in ethyl acetate) and DIEA (2.5 mL, 14.3 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated at 70° C. for 1 h. T3P (8.50 mL, 14.3 mmol, 50% in ethyl acetate) and DIEA (2.5 mL, 14.3 mmol) were added, and the reaction was heated at 105° C. for 12 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by ISCO silica gel chromatography using 0-100% hexane/EtOAc to afford Example 1A (580 mg, 1.36 mmol, 24% yield). LCMS (method B) Rt=1.7 min, (M+H)⁺=426.8. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃ containing CD₃OD) δ 8.09 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (dd, J=8.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.83 (dd, J=8.8, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 4.77 (s, 2H), 3.77 (dd, J=16.7, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.52 (dd, J=16.7, 8.9 Hz, 1H).

Example 1B 5-((5-((6-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione

To a solution of Example 1A (400 mg, 0.94 mmol) in dioxane (6 mL) was added (6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)boronic acid (199 mg, 1.41 mmol), K₃PO₄ (499 mg, 2.35 mmol), and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (54 mg, 0.047 mmol). The mixture was degassed with argon and heated at 120° C. for 0.5 h in a microwave reactor. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc and filtered through celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was diluted with EtOAc, the solution washed with 1.5 M K₃PO₄ solution and brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (Method G) to afford Example 1B (120 mg, 0.26 mmol, 28% yield). LCMS (method B) Rt=1.6 min, (M+H)⁺=442.0. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (ddd, J=8.5, 7.5, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.16-8.08 (m, 3H), 7.87-7.78 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.16 (m, 1H), 4.96 (dd, J=8.2, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 3.85-3.61 (m, 2H).

Example 1C (E)-5-((5-((6-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)(hydroxyimino)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)thiazolidine-2,4-dione

To a solution of Example 1B (65 mg, 0.15 mmol) in acetic acid (2 mL) and water (0.2 mL) was added sodium nitrite (12 mg, 0.18 mmol). The mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water. The solid was collected by filtration and dried under reduced pressure to give Example 1C (72 mg, 0.15 mmol, 100% yield) as a light brown solid. LCMS (Method B) Rt=1.8 min, (M+H)⁺=470.9. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.81-8.52 (m, 1H), 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.48-8.36 (m, 1H), 8.27-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.04-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.36 (dd, J=8.6, 3.1 Hz, 1H), 5.23-4.94 (m, 1H), 3.96-3.77 (m, 2H).

Example 1

To a suspension of example 1C (32 mg, 0.068 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was added 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic anhydride (49 mg, 0.14 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (5.0 mg, 6.8 μmmol). The mixture was degassed with argon and stirred under hydrogen atmosphere for 2 h. The reaction mixture was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by ISCO silica gel chromatography using 0-10% DCM/MeOH over 15 min gradient to give Example 1 (9.0 mg, 0.014 mmol, 20% yield) as a white solid. LCMS (method B) Rt=2.0 min, (M+H)⁺=629.0. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (ddd, J=8.5, 7.5, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.16-8.08 (m, 3H), 7.87-7.78 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.16 (m, 1H), 4.96 (dd, J=8.2, 4.6 Hz, 1H), 3.85-3.61 (m, 2H). EL IC₅₀<10 nM.

Examples 2-11 were synthesized from 2-(6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetohydrazide (1.63 g, 5.71 mmol) (prepared as described in WO 2011/074560) following a similar procedure described for Example 1.

Rt (min) EL Ex (LC/MS IC₅₀ # Structure Name ¹H NMR M + H method) (nM)  2

N-((6-(6- fluoropyridin-3- yl)benzo[d]- thiazol- 2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)-4- (trifluoro- methyl)- benzamide ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 10.46 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.71- 8.62 (m, 1H), 8.59-8.50 (m, 1H), 8.44-8.33 (m, 1H), 8.15 (dd, J = 20.0, 8.4 Hz, 3H), 7.99- 7.87 (m, 3H), 7.52-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.37-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.22- 7.12 (m, 1H), 6.76 (br. s., 2H), 4.37 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H) 608.0   0.93 (M) <10  3

N-((6-(6- fluoropyridin-3- yl)benzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)- nicotinamide ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 10.44 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 9.13 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.81-8.78 (m, 1H), 8.65 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.56 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.42- 8.31 (m, 2H), 8.18-8.11 (m, 1H), 7.92 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.47 (br. s., 1H), 7.38-7.31 (m, 1H), 7.23-7.15 (m, 1H), 4.37 (d, J = 5.0 Hz, 2H) 541.0  0.7 (M) <10  4

1-benzyl-3- ((6-(6-fluoro- 3-pyridinyl)-1,3- benzothiazol- 2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)urea ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.66 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.61- 8.54 (m, 1H), 8.39 (td, J = 8.2, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.10 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H), 7.96-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.47 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 1H), 7.37-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.31-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.27-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.16-6.99 (m, 1H), 6.97-6.89 (m, 1H), 6.81-6.77 (m, 2H), 4.35 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 4.33-4.29 (m, 2H) 569.10  1.28 (M) <10  5

N-((6-(6- fluoropyridin-3- yl)benzo[d]- thiazol- 2-yl)(5-M- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)- propionamide ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.68 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.77- 8.63 (m, 1H), 8.58-8.52 (m, 1H), 8.43-8.34 (m, 1H), 8.19- 8.08 (m, 1H), 7.98-7.86 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.43- 7.31 (m, 1H), 6.97-6.90 (m, 1H), 6.86-6.77 (m, 2H), 4.36 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.32 (qd, J = 7.6, 3.5 Hz, 2H), 1.08 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 3H) 492.00  1.13 (M) <10  6

ethyl 2-(3- ((6-(6- fluoropyridin-3- yl)benzo[d]- thiazol- 2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)- ureido)acetate ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.47 (br. s., 1H), 8.24-8.15 (m, 2H), 8.14-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.73 (t, J = 6.7 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.77-4.57 (m, 2H), 4.55-4.41 (m, 2H), 4.29-4.14 (m, 2H), 3.98 (s, 1H), 1.35- 1.19 (m, 3H) 565.05  1.15 (M) <10  7

1-(4-fluoro- phenyl)- 3-((6-(6- fluoro-3- pyridinyl)-1,3- benzothiazol- 2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)urea ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.07 (s, 1H), 8.65 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.56 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.44-8.34 (m, 1H), 8.16- 8.11 (m, 1H), 8.02-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.94-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.49- 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.37-7.33 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.09 (m, 2H), 6.86 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 6.81-6.77 (m, 2H), 4.35 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H) 573.05  1.32 (M) <10  8

1-(3,5- dimethyl- 4-isoxazolyl)- 3-((6-(6-fluoro- 3-pyridinyl)-1,3- benzothiazol- 2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)urea ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.47 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.24- 8.14 (m, 2H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (s, 2H), 7.16 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (s, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 4H) 574.05  1.14 (M) <10  9

N-((5-((2,4- dioxo- thiazolidin- 5-yl)methyl)- 1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)-(6-(6- fluoropyridin-3- yl)benzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)- methyl)- acetamide ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.53 (m, 1H), 8.31 (m, 1H), 8.27 (m, 1H), 8.08 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.16 (m, 1H), 4.97- 4.92 (m, 1H), 3.80-3.74 (m, 1H), 3.66-3.59 (m, 1H), 2.13 (s, 3H) 499.0   1.54 (M) <10 10

N-((6-(6- fluoropyridin-3- yl)benzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoyl- amino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)- acetamide 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.71 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 8.65 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.39 (td, J = 8.3, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (s, 2H), 4.36 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H) 477.9  0.7 (M) <10 11

N-((5-((2,4- dioxo- thiazolidin- 5-yl)methyl)- 1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)(6-(1-methyl- 1H-pyrazol-5- yl)benzo[d]- thiazol-2- yl)methyl)- acetamide ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.04 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.64-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 6.35 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.75 (ddd, J = 8.9, 4.3, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.80- 3.70 (m, 1H), 3.47 (dd, J = 16.8, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.12 (d, J = 1.3 Hz, 3H) 484.1  0.7 (M) <10

Example 12 N-((6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)(5-((sulfamoylamino)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)acetamide

Example 12A N-({5-[(Z)-(hydroxyimino)(6-phenyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)methyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl}methyl)sulfuric diamide

Example 12A was made from N-{[5-(6-phenyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2-ylmethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]methyl}sulfuric diamide (300 mg, 0.75 mmol) (prepared as described in WO 2011/074560) following a similar procedure described from example 1C to give Example 12A (248 mg, 0.580 mmol, 77% yield) as a light brown solid. LCMS (method B) Rt=1.9 min, m/z=431 (M+H)⁺. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 7.78 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (dd, J=8.7, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.03-6.98 (m, 2H), 6.77-6.69 (m, 4H), 6.66-6.59 (m, 1H), 6.01 (s, 2H), 3.66 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H).

Example 12

Example 12 was made from 12A (23 mg, 0.05 mmol) following a similar procedure described from Example 1 to give Example 12 (16 mg, 0.030 mmol, 62% yield). LCMS (method B) Rt=1.7 min, (M+H)⁺=459.0. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.27 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (dd, J=8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.51-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.34 (m, 1H), 5.49 (s, 1H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 2.13 (s, 3H). EL IC₅₀<10 nM.

Examples 13-22 were synthesized from 2-(6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetohydrazide (prepared as described in WO 2011/074560) or 2-(4-fluoro-6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetohydrazide (prepared as described in WO 2011/074560) following a similar procedure described for Example 12.

Rt (min) EL (LC/MS IC₅₀ Ex # Structure Name ¹H NMR M + H method) (nM) 13

N-((6- phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoylamino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)- isobutyramide ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.60 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 8.48 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.79-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.48- 7.38 (m, 2H), 6.93-6.86 (m, 1H), 6.81-6.69 (m, 2H), 4.36 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 2H), 1.21-0.97 (m, 6H) 486.8 0.9 (M) <10 14

tert-butyl (6- phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoylamino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methylcarbamate ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.70 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (s, 2H), 7.52-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.42- 7.36 (m, 1H), 6.69-6.55 (m, 1H), 6.46-6.30 (m, 1H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 1.50 (s, 9H) 517.0 1.0 (M) <10 15

1-isopropyl-3- ((6-phenyl-1,3- benzothiazol-2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoylamino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)urea ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.46 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.59-7.46 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.33 (m, 2H), 6.90- 6.61 (m, 3H), 6.30 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 4.34 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H), 3.82-3.67 (m, 1H), 1.09 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 6H) 502.0 0.9 (M) <10 16

N-((6- phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)(5- ((sulfamoylamino)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)-4- (trifluoromethyl)- benzamide ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 10.45 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.48 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.86 (dd, J = 8.5, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.55- 7.39 (m, 4H), 7.16 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 6.75 (br. s., 2H), 4.37 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 2H) 588.9 1.0 (M) <10 17

tert-butyl ((5- (acetamido(6- phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2- yl)methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)- carbamate ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.18-7.96 (m, 2H), 7.73 (dd, J = 8.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.31 (m, 2H), 6.88 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 5.16 (br. s., 1H), 4.57 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.43 (s, 9H) 480.1 2.0 (B) <10 18

(5-(cyclopropane- carboxamido- (6-phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)methyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)methanesulfonic acid ¹H NMR (500 MHz, MEOD) δ 8.29 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J = 8.7, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.44- 7.33 (m, 1H), 4.49-4.41 (m, 2H), 1.88-1.78 (m, 1H), 1.04- 0.95 (m, 2H), 0.95-0.89 (m, 2H) 471    1.94 (B) <10 19

(5-((6- phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2-yl)(4- (trifluoromethyl)- benzamido)- methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)- methanesulfonic acid ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.33-8.26 (m, 1H), 8.17 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.06 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.92 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.88-7.77 (m, 3H), 7.74- 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.36 (m, 1H), 4.49- 4.41 (m, 2H) 548.1 1.0 (B) <10 20

tert-butyl 3-(5- (acetamido(6- phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2- yl)methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)- azetidine- 1-carboxylate ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.98-8.08 (m, 2H), 7.65-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.56-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.40 (m, 1H), 6.92 (d, J = 7.83 Hz, 1H), 4.27-4.35 (m, 2H), 4.19- 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.94-4.04 (m, 1H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.44 (s, 9H) 450.0 (M − Boc + H)⁺ 2.1 (B) <10 21

N-((5-((2,4- dioxothiazolidin-5- yl)methyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl)- (4-fluoro- 6-phenylbenzo- [d]thiazol-2- yl)methyl- cyclopropane- carboxamide ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.11 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.73- 7.67 (m, 2H), 7.58 (dd, J = 11.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.37 (m, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 4.96 (ddd, J = 8.6, 4.6, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 3.84-3.76 (m, 1H), 3.62 (dd, J = 17.1, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.06-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.82 (s, 1H), 0.98 (t, J = 3.7 Hz, 2H), 0.93-0.88 (m, 2H) 524.1  0.95 (M) <10 22

N-((6- phenylbenzo[d]- thiazol-2- yl)(5- ((sulfamoylamino)- methyl)- 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)methyl)-4- (trifluoromethyl)- benzamide ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.18-8.09 (m, 2H), 7.84 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.75-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.59 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.44- 7.37 (m, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 4.96 (dd, J = 8.4, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (s, 1H), 3.85-3.76 (m, 1H), 3.64 (dd, J = 16.9, 8.4 Hz, 1H) 628.3 2.3 (B) <10

Example 23 N-((5-((4-methyl-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)(6-(4-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)phenyl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)acetamide

Example 23A 5-((5-((6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)-5-methylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (isomer 1) and Example 23B 5-((5-((6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)-5-methylimidazolidine-2,4-dione (isomer 2)

To a solution of 2-(6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)acetohydrazide (1.0 g, 3.5 mmol) (prepared as described in WO 2011/074560) in dioxane (10 mL) was added 2-(4-methyl-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl)acetic acid (0.80 g, 4.2 mmol), T3P (50% in EtOAc, 5.20 mL, 8.74 mmol) and DIPEA (3.1 mL, 17.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 90° C. for 6 h. Additional DIPEA (3.1 mL, 18 mmol) and T3P (50% in EtOAc, 3.1 mL, 1.8 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was heated at 95° C. for 12 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM, and the organic portion washed with 1.5 M K₃PO₄, 1.0 M HCl solution and brine. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by ISCO silica gel chromatography eluting with 0-15% MeOH/DCM over 30 min gradient to give racemic material (811 mg, 1.92 mmol, 55.0% yield) as a yellow solid. The enantiomers were separated by preparative chiral SFC (Kromasil 5-Cellucoat 21×250 mm ID, 5 μm, 65 mL/min, 150 bar, 35° C., 25% MeOH/77% CO₂) to afford isomer A as Example 23A (Rt=7.8 min, 37% yield), LCMS (method B) Rt=1.6 min, m/z=423.9 (M+H)⁺; and isomer B as Example 23B (Rt=11.2 min, 35% yield), LCMS (method B) retention time=1.6 min, m/z=423.9 (M+H)⁺. For Example 23B: ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.26 (br. s., 1H), 8.01 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (dd, J=8.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.54 (s, 1H), 4.71 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 2H), 3.40-3.21 (m, 2H), 1.59 (s, 3H).

Example 23

Example 23 was synthesized from Example 23B, 4-(Morpholine-4-carbonyl)phenylboronicacid and acetic anhydride following the procedure described for Example 12 to afford Example 23 (10 mg) as a yellow solid. LCMS (Method M) Rt=0.7 min, (M+H)⁺=477.9. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.71 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 8.65 (d, J=2.5 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.39 (td, J=8.3, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (dd, J=8.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (dd, J=8.4, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 6.92 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (s, 2H), 4.36 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H). EL IC₅₀=131 nM.

Example 24 N-((5-(5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)(6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)acetamide

Example 24A tert-butyl 5-(benzyloxy)-2-methoxy-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-4-carboxylate

LDA was generated by addition of n-BuLi (19.9 mL, 49.8 mmol) to diisopropylamine (7.09 mL, 49.8 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at 0° C. After addition, the mixture was stirred at 0° C. to rt for 10 min. In another round bottomed flask was added tert-butyl methyl oxalate (5.78 g, 36.1 mmol) and methyl 2-(benzyloxy)acetate (6.50 g, 36.1 mmol) in THF (80 mL) and cooled at −78° C. The LDA solution generated was quickly added via cannula to the stirring mixture. After the addition, the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 2 h. The dry ice bath was removed and the light yellow mixture was warmed to rt for 1 h. The mixture was cooled back to 0° C., and cold 1 N HCl (ca. 70 mL) was added. The neutralized mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×), dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The light tan viscous oil was purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 0-100% EtOAc/hexane to give 4-tert-butyl-1-methyl-2-(benzyloxy)-3-hydroxyfumarate (5.4 g, 18 mmol, 49% yield) as slightly tan viscous oil which was used immediately after vacuum drying for 1 h. O-Methylisourea hydrogensulfate (2.50 g, 14.5 mmol) and 4-tert-butyl 1-methyl 2-(benzyloxy)-3-hydroxyfumarate (5.37 g, 17.4 mmol) were stirred in anhydrous MeOH (15 mL) at 0° C. under argon. Sodium methoxide (10.0 g, 46.5 mmol) in MeOH (25% wt) was added, and the mixture was stirred at rt for 40 h. MeOH (3 mL) was added. After cooling at 0° C., 1 N HCl (11 mL) was added to acidify the mixture. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and rinsed with cold H₂O:MeOH (10:1). The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×). The organic layers and the precipitate were combined, dissolved in a small amount of CH₂Cl₂, and purified by silica gel column chromatography eluting with 50-60% EtOAc to give Example 24A (2.8 g, 8.4 mmol, 58% yield) as a white solid. LCMS (Method B) Rt=2.02 min, (M+H-tBu)⁺=333.2. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.48-12.16 (m, 1H), 7.91-6.79 (m, 5H), 5.02 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 1.44 (s, 9H).

Example 24B 5-(benzyloxy)-2-methoxy-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid

To a solution of Example 24A (1.07 g, 3.22 mmol) in MeOH (20 mL) and THF (20 mL) was added 7 N NaOH (4.02 mL, 28.1 mmol). The reaction was stirred at 50° C. for 3 h. The reaction was cooled with an ice-H₂O bath and was acidified with 1 N HCl (20 mL). A white precipitate formed. The precipitate was collected by filtration and rinsed with water and air dried for 24 h to give Example 24B (790 mg, 2.86 mmol, 89% yield) as a white solid. LCMS (Method B), Rt=1.41 min, (M+H)⁺=277.0. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.56-7.74 (m, 2H), 7.75-6.87 (m, 10H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 4.04 (s, 3H).

Example 24C 5-(benzyloxy)-6-(5-((6-(4-fluorophenyl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2-methoxypyrimidin-4(3H)-one

Example 24C (170 mg, 61.9%) was prepared by using similar procedure as that for Example 1A. LCMS (Method B) Rt=2.22 min, (M+H)⁺=541.9. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.99-8.13 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.50 (t, J=7.57 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.46 (m, 3H), 7.20-7.27 (m, 3H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 4.82 (s, 2H), 4.07 (s, 3H), 3.52 (s, 1H).

Example 24D N-((5-(5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)(6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)acetamide

Example 24D was prepared from example 24C by using a similar procedure as that for Example 1. LCMS (Method A) Rt=3.93 min, (M+H)⁺=581.1. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d) δ 7.99-8.13 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.50 (t, J=7.57 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.46 (m, 3H), 7.20-7.27 (m, 3H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 4.82 (s, 2H), 4.07 (s, 3H), 3.52 (s, 1H).

Example 24

Example 24E (25 mg) was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (1 mL) and TFA (1 mL). The mixture was heated in a microwave vial at 100° C. for 2 min. After allowing to cool to rt, the solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by reverse preparative HPLC (Method D) to give Example 24 (5 mg, 10.19 μmmol, 23.67% yield). LCMS (Method B), Rt=1.93 min, (M+H)⁺=491.0. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, METHANOL-d₄) δ 8.31 (m, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=9.60 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J=6.32 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (m., 2H), 7.33-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.33-7.56 (m, 2H), 3.99 (m, 3H), 2.18 (m, 3H). EL IC₅₀=25 nM.

Example 25 N-((5-(azetidin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)(6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)acetamide

Example 20 (80 mg, 0.16 mmol) was stirred in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) and TFA (1 mL) at rt for 20 min. The solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue (10 mg) of was purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (Method D) to give Example 25 as a slightly tan film. LCMS (Method B) Rt=1.66 min, (M+H)⁺=406.1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.26 (m, 1H), 7.77-7.98 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.71 (m, 6H), 6.88 (d, J=8.08 Hz, 1H), 4.26-4.83 (m, 5H), 2.06 (m, 3H). EL IC₅₀=277 nM.

Example 26 N-((5-(1-neopentylazetidin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)(6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)methyl)acetamide

Example 25 (50 mg, 0.12 mmol), pivalaldehyde (21 mg, 0.25 mmol), sodium triacetoxyborohydride (27 mg, 0.13 mmol), and acetic acid (0.12 μA, 2.2 μmol) were stirred in DCE (2 mL) at rt for 20 h. Water was added, followed by CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was concentrated and purified by reverse phase preparative HPLC (Method D) to give Example 26 (22 mg, 0.044 mmol, 36% yield) as slightly tan film. LCMS (Method B) Rt=1.66 min, (M+H)⁺=406.1. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.73 (d, J=8.08 Hz, 1H), 8.34-8.62 (m, 1H), 7.90-8.29 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.26-7.60 (m, 3H), 6.91 (d, J=8.34 Hz, 1H), 3.87-4.97 (m, 5H), 2.93-3.39 (m, 2H), 1.90-2.13 (m, 3H), 0.91-1.00 (m, 9H). EL IC₅₀=17 nM.

Reference 1 N-((5-(1-(methylsulfonyl)-1-(6-phenyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)sulfamide (Isomer A) and (Isomer B)

To a solution of Compound 46b (100 mg, 0.25 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) at 0° C. was added 1M NaHMDS in THF (0.55 mL, 0.55 mmol) and the mixture stirred for 10 min. Methanesulfonyl chloride (0.025 mL, 0.32 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred for 5 min then 2M iodomethane in tert-butyl methyl ether (0.22 mL, 0.45 mmol) was added and the reaction stirred for 1h. Additional 2M iodomethane in tert-butyl methyl ether (0.080 mL, 0.16 mmol) was added and the reaction stirred for 1 h then quenched with acetic acid (0.043 mL, 0.75 mmol). The mixture was diluted with MeOH and purified by prep HPLC (Method B, gradient elution of 10-100% solvent B). Fractions containing product were made basic by the addition of 1.5 M phosphate buffer, evaporated under reduced pressure to remove most of the ACN, acidified by the addition of satd. NH₄Cl and extracted with DCM (3×), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the racemic product. The material was further purified by silica gel chromatography eluting with 0-100% EtOAc/hexane to afford the racemic product. The enantiomers were separated by chiral preparative chiral HPLC (Whelko 4.6×250 mm ID, 10 μm, 20 mL/min, 25% MeOH/EtOH (1:1) in heptane) to afford Reference 1, Isomer A (Rt=14.3 min, 22 mg, 36% yield), LCMS=0.90 min using analytical method (M), 493.9 (M+H), ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.05 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (dd, J=8.8, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.47-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.31 (m, 1H), 5.73 (br. s., 2H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 3.20 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H), EL IC₅₀=3751 nM; and Reference 1, Isomer B (Rt=15.5 min, 23 mg, 37% yield), LCMS=0.90 min using analytical method (M), 493.9 (M+H), ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.04 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (dd, J=8.5, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.37-7.32 (m, 1H), 5.61 (br. s., 2H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 3.20 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H), EL IC₅₀=5202 nM.

Reference 2 N-((5-(1-(benzylsulfonyl)-1-(6-phenyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)sulfamide (Isomer A) and (Isomer B)

Reference 2, Isomer A and Reference 2, Isomer B were prepared by the general procedure described for Example 98 and Example 99. Reference 2, Isomer A (Rt=15.8 min, 28% yield) LCMS=1.00 min using analytical method (M), 570.0 (M+H), ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (dd, J=8.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.66-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.48 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.42-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.29-7.21 (m, 5H), 4.85 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 4.58 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 1H), 2.51 (s, 3H), EL IC₅₀>25000 nM; and Reference 2, Isomer B (Rt=16.9 min, 35% yield), LCMS=1.01 min using analytical method (M), 570.1 (M+H), ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.11 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.79-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.48 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.43-7.35 (m, 1H), 7.29-7.21 (m, 5H), 4.85 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (s, 2H), 4.58 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 1H), 2.51 (s, 3H), EL IC₅₀=713 nM.

Reference 3 N-((5-(1-(6-(6-fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)sulfamide and Reference 4 N-((5-(1-(6-(6-fluoro-3-pyridinyl)-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-1-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)sulfamide

Compound R3a. methyl 2-(6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)propanoate

To a solution of methyl propionate (0.088 mL, 0.89 mmol) and 6-bromo-2-chlorobenzo[d]thiazole (221 mg, 0.89 mmol) in degassed toluene (5 mL) at brine/ice bath temperature was slowly added 1.0 M NaHMDS in THF (2.22 mL, 2.22 mmol). After the addition was complete, the reaction was stirred for 10 min. The mixture was then quenched with satd. NH₄Cl (15 mL) then extracted with EtOAc (2×20 mL). The organic extracts were dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography eluting with 0-100% EtOAc/hexane to give Compound R3a (198 mg, 0.66 mmol, 74% yield) as a yellow solid. LCMS=1.0 min using analytical method (M), 302.0 (M+H). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.02 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (dd, J=8.7, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 1.75 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).

Compound R3b. 2-(6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)propanehydrazide

To a solution of Compound R3a (192 mg, 0.64 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) and DCM (2 mL) was added hydrazine (0.20 mL, 6.4 mmol) and the mixture stirred for 16 h (overnight). The reaction mixture was diluted with diethyl ether and the solid collected by filtration to give Compound R3b (160 mg, 0.53 mmol, 83% yield) as light yellow solid. LCMS=1.4 min using analytical method (B), 288.0 (M+H). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 9.51 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J=8.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.38 (br. s., 2H), 4.13 (q, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 1.53 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).

Compound R3c. tert-butyl (5-(1-(6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methylcarbamate

Compound R3c was prepared from Compound R3b and 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)acetic acid in 78% yield using the general procedure given for Compound 1b. LCMS=2.0 min using analytical method (B), 441.0 (M+H).

Compound R3d. tert-butyl (5-(1-(6-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methylcarbamate

Compound R3d (125 mg, 83% yield) was prepared from Compound R3c in 83% yield using the general procedure given for Compound 1c. LCMS=1.9 min using analytical method (B), 456.1 (M+H). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.47 (d, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 8.14-8.07 (m, 1H), 8.06-7.98 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.63 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.02 (m, 1H), 4.95 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.00 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H), 1.56 (s, 9H).

Compound R3e. (5-(1-(6-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methanamine

Compound R3e (112 mg, 94%) was prepared from Compound R3d in 94% yield using the general procedure given for Compound 46b. LCMS=1.4 min using analytical method (B), 356.0 (M+H). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.16-8.04 (m, 1H), 8.03-7.93 (m, 2H), 7.67-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.01 (m, 1H), 4.93 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 1.98 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 4H).

Compound R3f. tert-butyl N-((5-(1-(6-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methyl)sulfamoylcarbamate

Compound R3f (151 mg, 80%) was prepared Compound R3e in 80% yield using the general procedure given for Compound 46a. LCMS=1.9 min using analytical method (B), 535.0 (M+H). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.77-8.66 (m, 1H), 8.48 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.15-8.08 (m, 1H), 8.05-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.02 (m, 1H), 6.81-6.61 (m, 1H), 4.97 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.66-4.56 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.98 (m, 3H), 1.36 (s, 9H).

Reference 3 and Reference 4

To a solution of Compound R3f (112 mg, 0.21 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added TFA (2 mL). The mixture was stirred at rt for 15 min. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and coevaporated with toluene and DCM under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM and washed with 1.5 M K₃PO₄ solution. The organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel flash chromatography eluting with 0-10% MeOH/DCM to give Reference 3 (19 mg, 21% yield) Reference 4 (10 mg, 10% yield) as light yellow solids. Reference 3: LCMS=1.5 min using analytical method (B), 435.0 (M+H). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.46 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 8.12-8.03 (m, 3H), 7.68 (dd, J=8.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.13-7.06 (m, 1H), 4.99 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 3.43-3.34 (m, 2H), 2.01 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 3H), EL IC₅₀=6518 nM. Reference 4: LCMS=1.5 min using analytical method (B), 451.0 (M+H). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.51-8.44 (m, 1H), 8.18-8.14 (m, 1H), 8.14-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.07-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.71-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.09 (m, 1H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 3.40-3.39 (m, 1H), 2.22 (s, 3H), EL IC₅₀=14880 nM. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of Formula (I):

or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: phenyl and a 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl comprising: carbon atoms and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, NR^(c), O, and S(O)_(p); wherein each phenyl and heteroaryl are substituted with 0-3 R^(a); R² is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, OH, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy, CN, NH₂, NO₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), and CONH₂; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, —(CH₂)_(m)CHF₂, —(CH₂)_(m)CF₃, —(CH₂)_(m)—(C₃₋₆ carbocycle substituted with 0-3 R^(b)), —(CH₂)_(m)-(pyridyl substituted with 0-2 R^(b)), —NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NHCH₂CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NH(4-halo-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, and

R⁴ independently selected from the group consisting of:

R⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CONH₂, CONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CON(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHCO(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHCO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHCONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂OH, SO₂(4-halo-Ph), SO₂NH₂, SO₂NHCH₂CF₃, SO₂NHPh, NHSO₂NH₂, NHSO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂NHSO₂(CH₂)₂₋₃CF₃, N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)SO₂NH₂, N(CO₂C₁₋₄ alkyl)SO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), and

R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of:

R^(a) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with 0-1 OH, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, OH, CN, NO₂, NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CONH₂, CONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂NH₂, SO₂N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, CONH(CH₂)₁₋₃CF₃, pyrazolyl,

R^(b) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy, OH, CN, NH₂, NO₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ allyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), SO₂NH₂, CONH₂, and CONH(C₁₋₄ alkyl); R^(c) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, CO(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), COBn, CO₂Bn,

 pyrimidinyl and —(CH₂)_(t)—(C₃₋₆ carbocycle substituted with 0-2 R^(e)); R^(e) is, independently at each occurrence, selected from the group consisting of: halogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₁₋₄ haloalkyl, and C₁₋₄ haloalkoxy; m and t are, independently at each occurrence, selected from 0, 1, 2, and 3; and p is, independently at each occurrence, selected from 0, 1, and 2; and s is, independently at each occurrence, selected from 1, 2, and
 3. 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound is of Formula (II):

or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R² is independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen and C₁₋₄ alkyl.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound is of Formula (III):

or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Ph, 6-halo-pyrid-3-yl,

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, —NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NHCH₂CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NH(4-halo-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, pyridyl, and

 and R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:


5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ is 6-halo-pyrid-3-yl; R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl, —NHCH₂CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), —NH(4-halo-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, pyridyl, and

 and R⁴ is


6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ is 6-F-pyrid-3-yl; and R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Me, Et, —NHCH₂CO₂Et, —NH(4-F-Ph), 4-CF₃-Ph, —NHBn, pyrid-3-yl, and


7. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ independently selected from the group consisting of: Ph and

R³ independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl, cyclopropyl, and 4-CF₃-Ph; and R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:


8. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ independently selected from the group consisting of: Ph and

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Me, cyclopropyl, and 4-CF₃-Ph; and R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:


9. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: 6-halo-pyrid-3-yl and

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: C₁₋₄ alkyl and 4-CF₃-Ph; and R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:


10. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: 6-F-pyrid-3-yl and

R³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: Me and 4-CF₃-Ph; and R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of:


11. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from:


12. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of claim 1, or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 